An Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis of (+)‐(R,Z)‐5‐Muscenone and (−)‐(R)‐Muscone − An Example of a Kinetic Resolution and Enantioconvergent Transformation

An efficient catalytic kinetic resolution by CBS reduction and an original enantioconvergent transformation involving a Pd II ‐catalyzed position‐selective cyclization are the key steps for the synthesis of the exceptional musk odorant ( R , Z )‐5muscenone [( R )‐ 1 ] and ( R )‐muscone [( R )‐ 3 ]. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)