From allylic alcohols to saturated carbonyls using Fe(CO)5 as catalyst: scope and limitation studies and preparation of two perfume components

The direct conversion of allylic alcohols to saturated carbonyls, using Fe(CO)5 as a catalyst, offers good synthetic potential. Mono-, di- and even trisubstituted alkenes bearing various alkyl, aryl and electronwithdrawing groups on the allylic system give good to excellent yields of rearranged products. Limitations occur mainly with polyunsaturated derivatives. This reaction was applied to a short and efficient synthesis of cyclamen aldehyde and foliaver.