Citronellal manufactured by Takasago Corporation according to Noyori was our starting material
(Figure 14). Dr. Muto carried out the experimental work. (S)-Citronellal was oxidized and esterified to
give ethyl ester 6. Ozonolysis of 6 afforded aldehyde (S)-7, which was converted to unsaturated ester 8
by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction. Hydrogenaton of 8 over Adams’ platinum oxide gave
saturated diester 9.