Synthesis of (.+-.)-methyl epijasmonate and (.+-.)-methyl cucurbate.

A novel synthesis of (±)-methyl epijasomonate (2) and the first synthesis of (±)-methyl cucurbate (4) were achieved starting from 2-allylcyclohexane-1, 3-dione (8). The synthetic epimer 2 had a stronger jasmin flavor than the trans-isomer 1 with 95% purity.