Synthesis of ionones and carvone analogues: olfactory properties and preliminary toxicity assays

Vilsmeier reagents react with alpha/beta-ionones and carvone to produce ald ehydes 7-11 in a one-step procedure. The indene derivative 11, which came f rom the double iminoalkylation of carvone and ring closure with the elimina tion of dimethylamine, was practically odourless, while all the others had peculiar odours which were very different from the starting material. The c ytotoxicity data of 9 and 10, which are the most promising potential perfum e ingredients, are also reported. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medica les Elsevier SAS.