• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.292-295
• /
• 2005

Synthesis of methyl 3-methyloctanoate, a perfume component isolated from African orchid Aerangis confusa (or Aerangis kirkii) was achieved starting from itaconic acid in 9 steps. Itaconic acid is one of the cheapest organic compounds which is the fermentation product of microorganism Asp. terreus. As the key intermediate, 2-methyl-1,4-butanediol 4-acetate was obtained through the enzymatic regioselective hydrolysis of 2-methyl-1,4-butanediol diacetate with lipase. After Grignard reaction and oxidation, 3-methyloctanoic acid was obtained and converted to the various corresponding scented esters with a variety of alkyl alcohols, and the resulting fragrancy esters are expected to be utilized as the aroma additive materials in cosmetics, drinks and foods.