A ttstal synthesis of racemic cy-and p-santonin is described. The synthetic sequence invo) ves reduction-alkylation of m-toluic acid with lithium in ammonia followed by methyl iodide. Homologation of the resulting l-methyl-1, 4-dihydro-m-toluic acid was effected by reduction using lithium aluminum hydride, oxidation with N-chlorosuccinimide-dimethyl sulfide reagent, and condensation of the resulting aldehyde with triethyl phosphonoacetate to ...
