Efficient one-step synthesis of trialkylsubstituted 2(5H)-furanones utilizing direct Ti-crossed aldol condensation and its application to the straightforward synthesis of (R)-mintlactone and (R)-menthofuranElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: calculated structures of 7 and 8. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b2/b208077j/

TiCl4–Bu3N-mediated condensation of ketones with α,α-dimethoxyketones afforded trialkylsubstituted 2(5H)-furanones in a one-pot manner, wherein aldol addition and furanone formation occurred sequentially; its application to straightforward synthesis of (R)-mintlactone and (R)-menthofuran, two representative natural mint perfumes, is demonstrated.