β‐Cleavage of Bis(homoallylic) Potassium Alkoxides. Synthesis of γ‐damascone

Starting from the γ‐lactone cis‐1, two new syntheses of γ‐damascone ((E)‐4) are described. In both syntheses, the key step involves the β‐cleavage of a bis(homoallylic) potassium alkoxide, viz. the transformation of 3a to 20 and (E/Z)‐4, and the conversion of 21a to 23 and (E/Z)‐24.