Short and efficient hemisynthesis of α-eudesmol and cryptomeridiol

The aerial part of Dittrichia viscosa yielded two sesquiterpenes, isocostic acid (1) and ilicic acid (2), on multigram scale. These acids are appropriate starting materials for short and facile syntheses of α-eudesmol (5) and cryptomeridiol (6), natural products featuring anti-Alzheimer and anti-spasmodic properties. Compounds 5 and 6 were obtained in three steps in overall yields of 70% and 52%, respectively.