龙涎香的组成及降龙涎醚的合成研究进展

简要介绍了龙涎香的应用及其化学组成，重点介绍了以香紫苏醇为原料，通过不同的氧化-还原-环化途径合成降龙涎醚。

Composition of ambergris and the development of synthesis of (-)- ambrox

Ambergris, a metabolite of the sperm whale, is one of the most remarkable animal perfumes. The auto or photo oxidative decomposition of ( ) ambrein, the major constituent of ambergris, gives the five important odoriferous products that play a key role in the characteristic odor of ambergris. However, the unique olfactive and fixative properties are related principally to (-) Ambrox, one of the decomposing products of ( ) ambrein and the commercially most important synthetic equivalent of ambergris, which has been successfully synthesized from various terpenoids. Because of the correct stereochemical set up of the four contiguous chiral centers and ready availability, (-) sclareol becomes the superior starting materials. In this article, the application and chemical composition of ambergris and the synthesis of (-) Ambrox from (-) sclareol by various oxidation reduction cyclization ways are reviewed with 38 references.