SYNTHESES OF LEAF ALCOHOLS

cis-3-Hexene-1-ol and trans-2-hexene-1-ol are usually referred to as t he leaf alcohols. The compounds are of special commercial interest, es pecially as fine chemicals suitable for perfume industry and food proc essing as powerful additives to flavours and fragrances. Their basic c hemical, physical, and odouring properties are surveyed. The principal part deals with the synthesis. It is shown that the preparations are difficult multistep procedures which are reflected in the price of fin al products. One of the most serious problems is the required stereosp ecifity and regioselectivity. Alternative ways of preparation based on catalytic hydrogenations of 2,4-hexadienoic acid and its esters are a lso discussed.