Chemie und Stereochemie der Iridoide, XIII. Synthese von enantiomerenreinem (1 R ,2 S ,2″ Z )‐(+)‐Methyljasmonat aus Catalpol

Chemistry and Stereochemistry of Iridoids, XIII. — Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Methyl (1 R ,2 S ,2″ Z )‐(+)‐Jasmonate Starting from Catalpol Enantiomerically pure methyl (1 R ,2 S ,2″ Z )‐(+)‐jasmonate ( 2 ), which was recognized as a component of the fragrance of the jasmine flower oil, was synthesized starting from catalpol ( 3 ). 2 is easily epimerized to 1 . Thus, it is necessary to use very mild conditions in the course of the synthesis and purification. These results raise the question whether 2 exists as a natural product in the flower of jasmine and 1 arises during the isolation.