Optical resolution of fragrant lactones

Optical resolution of six chiral fragrant lactones (delta-jasmine lactone, massoia lactone, tuberolactone, pentynyllactone, delta-decalactone, and gam ma-nonalactone) was investigated by means of either the diastereomeric salt formation method or the diastereomeric amide formation method. Using these procedures, we obtained each enantiomer from five of the six lactones, exc ept for massoia lactone. All five lactones were obtained in a good yield an d with high optical purity. Sensoric characteristics on both enantiomers an d racemic modification of four lactones are given.