Efficient synthesis of (±)-7-isopropyl-2,10-dimethyl-8(E),10-undecadien-4-one and 3,7-dimethyl-11-oxo-2(E),6(E)-dodecadienol (oxocrinol) under ultrasound

A simple and convergent synthesis of the title compounds has been achieved involving Zn–Cu couple catalysed conjugate addition of allylic halides to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds promoted by ultrasonic waves in aqueous medium as a key step in good overall yields.