# Patent

## Title
Substituted cyclohexenes

## Abstract

The present invention relates to substituted cyclohexenes, to their use as well as to their preparation method. These compounds have powerful long lasting natural fruity grapefruit notes with minty and fresh green tonalities.

## Background
The present invention relates to substituted cyclohexenes, to their use as well as to their method of preparation.
The main disadvantage of organoleptic compounds of natural origin, such as grapefruit oil, is, apart from price and availability, their changing quality and odor as well as flavor characteristics. The compounds of grapefruit oil, which are responsible for the typical odor and flavor are well known: Nootkatone was object of many syntheses and structurally related bicyclic compounds were described in various patents. Nonetheless, nootkatone is still too expensive for many applications and its analogues often lack various facets of the natural product. Sulfur containing compounds like 1-p-menthene-8-thiol have also been used in grapefruit accords. Other compounds in this domain are 4-methoxy-2-methylbutan-2-thiol and 8-mercapto-p-menthone. However, these compounds are chemically and olfactorely non homogenous mixtures and, in addition, are sensitive towards oxidation. A further compound exhibiting a fruity, cassis like odor is described in EP 0 167 709.
It is an object of the present invention to provide compounds having long lasting and natural grapefruit notes accompanied by floral and fresh green aspects.
Further it is an object of the present invention to provide compounds with above organoleptic characteristics which do not contain sulfur.
Further it is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive method for preparing such compounds.
It has surprisingly been found that compounds of the general formula (I) 




have powerful long lasting natural fruity grapefruit notes with minty and fresh green tonalities. In compounds of the formula I having less than 18 carbon atoms, A stands for a residue of the formula II, III or IV 




wherein

    R1-R6 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group, R7 is a methyl or ethyl group, and R5 and R7 may form together a phenyl ring or a furan;
    X is either a carbonyl group or CR8OR9, wherein R8 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethinyl or vinyl and R9 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;
    R10 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;
    the dotted line in formula (II) is a bond only if X is CR8OR9; and
    the dotted line in formula (III) and the dotted line in formula (IV) optionally is a bond.


The above formula include all possible stereo- and double bond isomers.
Compounds of formula I wherein A is a residue of formula IIa 




wherein R1-R3 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group are preferred.

Further preferred are compounds of formula I wherein A is a residue of formula IIb 




wherein

    R1-R3 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group;
    R8 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethinyl or vinyl and
    R9 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

and the dotted line in formula (IIb) optionally is a bond.



Especially preferred compounds are:

    1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol,
    2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol,
    2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-1-vinyl-cyclohex-2-enol,
    2,6-dimethyl-1-ethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol,
    2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone,
    6-benzyl-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone,
    6-methoxy-1,5,6-trimethyl-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene,
    2,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-3-enone.


In an organoleptic composition compounds according to the present invention may be used alone or in combination with numerous fragrance or flavor ingredients of natural and/or synthetic origin. The range of the natural fragrances or flavors includes in addition to readily volatile, also moderately and only slightly volatile components. The synthetic fragrances or flavors embrace representatives from practically all classes of fragrance or flavor substances. The following list comprises examples of known fragrances or flavors which may be combined with the compounds of the invention:

    natural products: tree moss absolute, basil oil, tropical fruit oils (such as bergamot oil, mandarin oil, etc.), mastix absolute, myrtle oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, petitgrain oil, wormwood oil, lavender oil, rose oil, jasmin oil, ylang-ylang oil, etc.;
    alcohols: farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, phenylethyl alcohol, rhodinol, cinnamic alcohol, (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol, menthol, α-terpineol, etc.;
    aldehydes: citral, α-hexyl cinnamaldehyde, Lilial, methylionone, verbenone, nootkatone, geranylacetone, etc.;
    esters: allyl phenoxyacetate, benzyl salicylate, cinnamyl propionate, citronellyl acetate, decyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl butyrate, ethyl acetoacetate, cis-3-hexenyl isobutyrate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, linalyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, styralyl propionate, vetiveryl acetate, benzyl acetate, geranyl acetate, etc.;
    lactones: γ-undecalactone, δ-decalactone, pentadecanolide, 12-oxahexadecanolide, etc.;
    acetals: Viridine (phenylacetaldehyde dimethylacetal), etc.;
    other components often used in perfumery: indole, p-mentha-8-thiol-3-one, methyleugenol, eugenol, anethol, etc.


The compounds of the present invention harmonize particularly well with floral notes (lily of the valley, rose, iris, jasmine, ylang-ylang, narcissus notes, etc.) as well as with woody, chypre and animalic notes, tobacco- and an patchouli-like compositions, etc.
The percentage in which the compounds of the invention are used in a composition may vary within wide limits ranging from a few parts per thousand in mass market products (e.g. cleaning compositions, deodorant, etc.) up to a few percents in alcoholic extracts for fine perfumery. In all cases, the compounds of formula I provide fragrance compositions with powerful long lasting natural fruity grapefruit notes and minty and fresh green tonalities. Flavoured products comprise compounds according to the present invention at a concentration of 0.1 to 10 ppm.
Compositions comprising one or more compounds according to the present invention are preferably used in consumer products and industrial products. A few examples are body care and cosmetic products such as cream, shampoo, soap, sun cream, household products such as detergent, household cleaner, fabric softener, etc.
In a preferred embodiment food and beverage products comprise one or more compounds according to the present invention.
Compounds according to the present invention can be prepared as depicted in scheme 1 and 2. 




C-Alkylations of 2,6-disubstituted phenols by reaction of a phenol with a metal hydride and an alkenylchloride are known in the art (Greuter, H. et al. (1977) Helv. Chim. Acta, 60, 1701). The resulting dienones are known to be unstable and to rearrange to higher alkylated phenols, or to aryl-alkenyl-ethers, or the allyl unit may also be cleaved off under certain reaction conditions known to those skilled in the art (Chalais, S. et al. (1986) Tetrahedron Lett., 27, 2627).
The alkylation for preparing the compounds of the present invention can also be performed under phase-transfer conditions, which avoids the use of the expensive metal hydride. It was surprisingly found, that the intermediate dienones of the formula VI of scheme 1 can be selectively hydrogenated with a transition metal catalyst, instead of generating the above mentioned side products. A preferred transition metal catalyst is palladium on charcoal. This hydrogenation is especially efficient for substrates of scheme 1 wherein the 3′-position (R6 and R7) is dialkylated, or for substrates of scheme 1 wherein R5 and R7 constitute an aromatic ring.
The α, β-unsaturated ketones of the formula Ic may be converted to cyclohexenol derivatives of the formula Ib. Depending on number and location of substituents on the cyclohexene ring, 2 or more diastereomeric alcohols may be formed. For example, 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexenol consists of 2 isomers, one having a borneol/grapefruit character with a GC threshold of 18 ng/L, the other having a grapefruit/cassis note with an odor threshold of 0.5 ng/L.
The unsaturated ketones of the formula VI may be converted to cyclohexadienol derivatives of the formula Ia according to the process illustrated in scheme 1.
In addition, compounds of the formula Ic and of the formula Ib (scheme 1) may further be converted as described in scheme 2. 




The invention will be further described, by way of illustration, in the following examples.
All compounds were unambiguously identified by their 1H-NMR-(chemical shifts (δ) are given in ppm downfield from TMS; coupling constants J in Hz), IR- and MS-spectra.


EXAMPLE 1
Synthesis of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclo-hex-2-enone
Odor: fruity, grapefruit, minty, bergamot
Sodium hydride (60%, 85 g, 2.13 mol) was added portionwise to a solution of 2,6-dimethylphenol (250 g, 2.05 mol) in 2 L of toluene at 10-15° C. The resulting suspension was stirred for 45 min. The mixture was cooled to 50° C., and prenyl chloride (262 g, 2.13 mol, 85%) was added during 1.5 h keeping the temperature at 50° C. The mixture was then stirred for further 2 h at 10-15° C. Methanol (1 L) and palladium (2.5 g, 10% on charcoal) was added and the grey suspension was hydrogenated at 0.3 bar overpressure, keeping the temperature at 20-22° C. (ice bath). The suspension was then filtered through a pad of celite. The yellow filtrate was washed with water (0.5 L), aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5 L) and brine (0.5 L), dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled over a 5 cm Vigreux column to yield 318 g (81%, bp 78-82° C./0.05 Torr) of a colorless oil. 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 6.62 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.06-5.11 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.34-2.28 (m, 2H, 4-H), 2.25-2.14 (m, 2H, 1′H), 1.91 (dt, J5a,5b=13.6 Hz, J5a,4=6.1 Hz, 1H, 5a-H), 1.76 (s, 3H, 2-CH3), 1.77-1.70 (m, 1H, 5b-H), 1.70 (s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.59 (s, 3H, 3′-CH3), 1.05 (s, 3H, 6-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 192 (M+, 16), 124 (100), 109 (74), 82 (31), 69 (40), 41 (57). IR (ATR): 2965s, 2922s, 1667vs, 1449m, 1376m, 1033m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 2
2,4,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone
Odor: hesperidic, fresh, floral, grapefruit, terpenic
Mixture of 2 diastereomers in a ratio of 4/1: 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 6.43 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.09-5.03 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.62-2.52 (m, 1H, 4-H), 2.36-2.11 (m, 2H, 1′-H), 1.76 (s, 3H, 2-CH3), 1.71-1.67 (m, 1H, 5a-H), 1.68 (s, 3H, 4′-CH3), 1.61 (s, 3H, 3′-CH3), 1.59-1.55 (m, 1H, 5b-H), 1.09 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H, 4-CH3), 1.07/1.03 (2s,3H, 6a,b-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI), main isomer: 206 (M+, 13), 164 (20), 138 (69), 123 (100), 96 (27), 69 (35), 41 (81). IR (ATR): 2962s, 2924s, 1670vs, 1453s, 1376s, 1035m, 986m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 3
2,3,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone
Odor: agrestic, minty, fruity
1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 5.09-5.05 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.33-2.29 (m, 2H, 4-H), 2.25-2.11 (m, 2H, 1′-H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 1.89-1.83 (m, 1H, 5a-H), 1.75 (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.69-1.63 (m, 1H, 5b-H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.03 (s, 3H, 6-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 206 (M+, 9), 178 (15), 138 (100), 137 (98), 123 (97), 96 (50), 67 (52), 41 (62). IR (ATR): 2915s, 1659vs, 1638s, 1376s, 1023m, 764w cm−1.
EXAMPLE 4
6-Benzyl-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone
Odor: Fruity, minty, saffron, rosy, apple.
1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3): 7.28-7.09 (m, 5H, Ar—H), 6.65 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 2.97 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CHaHPh), 2.74 (d, J=15 Hz, CHHbPh), 2.40-2.29 (m, 2H, 4-H), 1.91-1.60 (m, 2H, 5-H), 1.06 (s, 3H, 6-H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 214 (M+, 27), 186 (37), 123 (44), 95 (13), 91 (100), 82 (91), 77 (10), 65 (18), 54 (25), 39 (20). IR (ATR): 2923s, 1666vs, 1452s, 1375m, 1027m, 702s cm−1.
EXAMPLE 5
Synthesis of 1,3-dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-one
Odor: rosy, vetiver, saffron, floral
Sodium hydride (60%, 2.11 g, 52.8 mmol) was added to a suspension of trimethylsulfoxonium iodide (11.6 g, 52.8 mmol) in 60 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide. The mixture was stirred for 30 min until hydrogen evolution stopped. 2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone was added and the mixture was stirred over night at room temperature, was then diluted with water and extracted with pentane. The organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled (bp.95° C./0.05 Torr) to yield 4.5 g (83%) of product as a mixture of two diastereomers. 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3): 5.11-4.93 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.45-1.32 (m, 7H), 1.75/1.70 (2s, 3H, 4′H), 1.63/1.59 (2s, 3H, 3′-CH3), 1.31-1.16 (m, 1H), 1.23/1.21 (2s, 3H), 1.01/0.99 (2s, 3H), 0.75-0.64 (m, 1H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 206 (M+, 12), 191 (14), 163 (20), 138 (90), 123 (100), 109 (34), 95 (57), 69 (62), 41 (94). IR (ATR): 2962s, 2928s, 2866s, 1681vs, 1451s, 1375m, 1043m, 1000m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 6
Synthesis of 2,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-3-enone
Odor: grapefruit, sage, saffron, lavander
2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone (5.00 g, 26 mmol) was added to a solution of LDA (prepared from diisopropylamine (3.15 g, 31.2 mmol) and n-BuLi (1.6M in hexane, 19.5 ml, 31.2 mmol)) in THF (50 ml) at −78° C. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at −78° C. Methyl iodide (5.54 g, 39 mmol) was added and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature over night. The mixture was diluted with MTBE and washed with portions of H2O and brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo to yield 7 g of a slightly yellow oil which was distilled (bp.42° C./0.005 mbar) to give 4.5 g (84%) of an olfactorily clean oil. 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 5.72-5.68 (m, 1H), 5.63-5.59 (m, 1H), 5.06-4.99 (m, 1H), 2.36-2.08 (m, 4H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.15 (s, 3H), 1.12 (s, 3H), 1.07 (s, 3H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 206 (M+, 15), 191 (8), 137 (19), 123 (25), 109 (100), 96 (34), 91 (9), 81 (28), 67 (24), 41 (33). IR (ATR): 3023s, 2966s, 2926m, 1703vs, 1456s, 1376m, 1203w, 1033s, 713s cm−1.
EXAMPLE 7
2,6-Dimethyl-2-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone
Odor: grapefruit, rosy
This compound was prepared as a mixture of 2 isomers by reduction of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone with Na2S2O4. 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 5.15-5.12, 4.94-4.89 (2m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.69-1.26 (m, 9H), 1.70, 1.68 (2s, 3H, 3′-CH3), 1.61, 1.60 (2s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.47, 0.98 (2s, 3H, 6-CH3), 1.00, 0.99 (2d, J=6.8 Hz, 2-CH3) ppm. MS (EI): 194 (M+, 19), 179 (17), 126 (100), 111 (52), 95 (26), 69 (72), 55 (39), 41 (56). IR (ATR): 2967m, 2929s, 2868s, 1705vs, 1452s, 1376m, 995m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 8
Synthesis of 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol
Odor: grapefruit, cassis, borneol
2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexenone (245 g, 1.28 mol) was added dropwise to a solution of methyl magnesium chloride (105 g, 1.41 mol) in THF (400 ml) and toluene (1.5 L) at room temperature. The temperature rose to 50° C. The mixture was stirred for additional 45 min, was then cooled to 15° C. and poured on ice. The organic phase was separated and washed with water (0.5 L) and brine (0.5 L), dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled over a 70 cm silverplated column (bp. 83-85° C./0.1 Torr) to yield 208 g (78%) product as a mixture of two diastereomers. 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 5.39 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.29-5.24 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.26-2.05 (m, 2H, 2′-H), 1.98-1.88 (m, 2H, 4-H), 1.75-1.71 (m, 6H, 2-CH3, 3′-CH3), 1.63 (s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.60 (bs, 1H, O—H), 1.50-1.46 (m, 2H, 5-H), 1.24/1.23 (2s, 3H, 1a,b-CH3), 0.96/0.90 (2s, 3H, 6a,b-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI), Isomer a: 208 (M+, 1), 190 (20), 175 (17), 147 (56), 121 (100), 105 (46), 98 (52), 83 (45), 43 (82). Isomer b: 208 (M+, 2), 190 (8), 175 (6), 147 (58), 121 (75), 105 (46), 98 (100), 83 (52), 43 (78). IR (ATR): 3476s, 2967vs, 2922vs, 1450s, 1376s, 1073vs, 921m, 902 m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 9
Synthesis of 6-methoxy-1,5,6-trimethyl-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene
Odor: grapefruit, agrestic, borneol, sage, lavander, lime, cassis
To a solution of 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol (5.00 g, 24.0 mmol) in THF (80 ml) was added n-BuLi (1.6M in hexane, 16.5 ml, 26.4 mmol) at 0° C. After the mixture was stirred for 30 min, methyl iodide (5.18 g, 36.5 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature over night and then poured on ice and extracted with MTBE. The organic phase was washed with H2O and brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled (bp. 75° C./0.2 Torr) to yield 5.0 g (93%) of an colorless oil containing 2 isomers: 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 5.64 (bs, 1H, 2-H), 5.23-5.15 (m, 1H, CH2CH═C(CH3)2), 3.30, 3.28 (2s, 3H, O—CH3), 2.22-2.12 (m, 1H), 1.99-1.88 (m, 3H), 1.75-1.58 (m, 10H), 1.20,1.18 (2s, 3H), 0.93, 0.79 (2s, 3H) ppm. MS (EI): 222 (M+, 1), 190 (11), 175 (10), 147 (60), 121 (100), 112 (30), 105 (57), 91 (40), 79 (25), 69 (14), 41 (45). IR (ATR): 2966s, 2926s, 1449s, 1377s, 1083vs, 858m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 10
1,2,4,6-Tetramethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol
Odor: earthy, hesperidic, rosy, woody, grapefruit
Two diastereomers in a ratio of 5/1. Main isomer: 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 5.37-5.32 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 5.18 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 2.25 (dd, Jgem=14.2 Hz, Jvic=8.2 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.20-2.10 (m, 1H, 4-H), 1.90 (dd, Jgem=14.2 Hz, Jvic=7.2 Hz, 1H, 1′Hb), 1.73 (s, 3H, 4′H), 1.72 (bs, 3H, 2-H), 1.64 (s, 3H, 3′-CH3), 1.55 (ddd, J=13.5, 6.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H, 5-Ha), 1.255 (s, 3H, 1-CH3), 1.12 (dd, J=13.5, 11.0 Hz, 1H, 5-Hb), 0.97 (s, 3H, 6-CH3), 0.92 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H, 4-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 222 (M+, 1), 207 (18), 161 (50%), 135 (90), 119 (48), 109 (66), 91 (36), 69 (36), 43 (100). IR (ATR): 3491s, 3953vs, 2917vs, 1704m, 1451vs, 1375vs, 1107vs, 1030s, 919s, 836s cm−1.
EXAMPLE 11
2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-1-vinyl-cyclohex-2-enol
Odor: borneol, grapefruit, cassis, earthy
Two isomers in a ratio of 3/2: 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3): 6.02-5.82 (m, 1H, CHCH2), 5.05/5.49 (2bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.31-5.15 (m, 3H, 2′-H, CHCH2), 2.3-1.48 (m, 16H), 0.98/0.87 (2s, 3H, 6-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI) isomer a: 220 (M+, 3), 202 (12), 133 (21), 110 (58), 95 (100), 67 (22), 55 (48), 41 (40). Isomer b: 220 (M+, 2), 202 (6), 133 (10), 110 (74), 95 (100), 69 (14), 55 (44), 41 (34). IR (ATR): 3511s, 2966vs, 2925vs, 1451s, 1375s, 1122m, 994s, 922s cm−1.
EXAMPLE 12
2,6-Dimethyl-1-ethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol
Odor: earthy, minty, floral, grapefruit
Two isomers in a ratio of 3/2: 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3): 5.48 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.39-5.25 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.38-2.21 (m, 1H), 2.05-1.85 (m, 3H), 1.76-1.56 (m, 13H), 1.51-1.36 (m, 1H), 1.01-0.89 (m, 6H, CH2CH3, 6-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI) isomer a: 222 (M+, 2), 204 (4), 193 (79), 135 (23), 123 (30), 112 (70), 107 (43), 83 (100), 69 (59), 57 (49), 41 (50). Isomer b: 222 (M+, 2), 204 (4), 193 (79), 135 (23), 123 (30), 112 (70), 107 (43), 83 (100), 69 (59), 57 (49), 41 (50). IR (ATR): 3521s, 2965vs, 2926vs, 2880s, 1452s, 1376s, 981s cm−1.
EXAMPLE 13
1,2,3-Trimethyl-3-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-ol
Odor: minty, rhubarb, agrestic
Mixture of two diastereomers in a ratio of 3/2: 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3): 5.05-4.90 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.05-1.16 (m, 5H), 1.48/1.47 (2s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.38/1.33 (2s, 3H, 3′-CH3), 1.01-0.52 (m, 3H), 0.90/0.88 (2s, 3H), 0.77/0.75 (2s, 3H), 0.65/0.50 (2s, 3H), 0.07-(−1.85) (m, 2H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 222 (M+, 2), 204 (4), 161 (12), 135 (28), 112 (62), 93 (60), 69 (60), 43 (100), 41 (64). IR (ATR): 3519 s, 2967vs, 2925vs, 2866vs, 1445s, 1375s, 1093m, 918m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 14
Synthesis of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclo-hex-2-enol
Odor: grapefruit, vetiver, rhubarb, rosy
2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone (5.00 g, 26.04 mmol) was added dropwise to a suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (0.73 g, 18.2 mmol) in diethyl ether at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The resulting suspension was quenched with water, aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and again water, was then filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled (bp. 110° C./0.1 Torr) to yield 4.93 g (98%) of the alcohol as a mixture of 2 diastereomers. 1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3): 5.49 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.34-5.15 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 3.57/3.44 (2d, J=4.5, 5.5 Hz, 1H, 1-H), 2.25-1.82 (m, 4H), 1.81-1.71 (m, 6H), 1.65/1.61 (2s, 3H), 1.62-1.19 (m, 3H), 0.93/0.82 (2s, 3H, 6-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI) isomer a: 194 (M+, 4), 176 (44), 161 (42), 125 (12), 107 (94), 84 (70), 69 (38), 55 (50), 43 (100). IR (ATR): 3365s, 2966s, 2916vs, 1450s, 1375s, 1239m, 1030m, 1007 s cm−1.
EXAMPLE 15
2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexa-2,4-dienone
A mixture of 2,6-dimethylphenol (5.00 g, 41.0 mmol), powdered KOH (85%, 1.5 eq., 4.05 g, 61.5 mmol), prenyl chloride (85%, 1.2 eq., 6.05 g, 49.2 mmol) and (NBu4)HSO4 (50 mg) in benzene (50 ml) was stirred at 0° C. for 3 h. The green suspension was then poured on ice and extracted with pentane. The organic phase was washed with aqueous NaOH (32%), water and brine, dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo at room temperature. The yellow crude dienone was ca. 85% pure and was converted without further purification. 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 6.81-6.79 (m, 1H), 6.20-10 (m, 2H), 4.92-4.88 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.51 (dd, J=13.9, 7.7 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.17 (dd, J=13.9, 7.2 Hz, 1H, 1′-Hb), 1.86 (s, 3H), 1.62 (s, 3H), 1.57 (s, 3H), 1.17 (s, 3H, 6-CH3) ppm.
EXAMPLE 16
1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexa-2,4-dienol
Odor: grapefruit, hesperidic, floral, terpenic
1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 5.69 (dd, J=9.3, 5.2 Hz, 1H) 5.56 (dt, J=5.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 5.48 (dq, J=9.3, 0.5 Hz, 1H), 5.27-5.20 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.32 (dd, J=14.0, 7.1 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.17 (dd, J=14.0, 8.4 Hz, 1H, 1′-Hb), 1.81, (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.61 (s, 3H), 1.17 (s, 3H), 1.03 (s, 3H) ppm.
EXAMPLE 17
2-(2,3-Dimethyl-but-2-enyl)-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohexanone
Odor: fresh, grapefruit, bergamot, lavender
This compound was prepared according to example 1. Excessive hydrogenation resulted in a mixture of 2 diastereomers in a ratio of 3:1. Main isomer: 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): 2.89 (sept, J=6.4 Hz, 1H, 6-H), 2.58 (d, J=13.8 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.43 (d, J=13.8 Hz, 1H, 1′-Hb), 2.11-1.25 (m, 6H), 1.61 (bs, 6H), 1.46 (s, 3H), 1.01 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H, 6-CH3), 0.95 (s, 3H, 2-CH3) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 208 (M+, 3), 126 (100), 111 (29), 83 (43), 67 (10), 55 (48), 41 (36). IR (ATR): 2967s, 2931s, 2867s, 1704s, 1453s, 1375m, 1124m, 997m cm−1.
EXAMPLE 18










Green grapefruit floral composition for cosmetics









parts per weight











Benzyl acetate extra
35


Geranyl acetate
1


cis-3-Hexenyl acetate
6


Terpenyl acetate
3


Agrumex
35


Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde
55


Boisambrene forte (10% DPG)
2


Ethylene brassylate
20


Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl butyrate
5


Ethyl capronate (10% DPG)
7


Cetone V (10% DPG)
1


Citronellol extra
40


Cyclal C
18


Allyl Cyclohexanepropionate
5


γ-Decalactone (10% DPG)
15


Dihydromyrcenol
125


Dipropylene glycol
70


β-Ionone
65


Phenoxyethyl isobutyrate
152


Lilial
80


Linalool
100


Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate
10


Allyl oenanthate
25


Orange Ess. Florida
60


Verdyl propionate
20


Hexyl salicylate
15


Terpineol
10


1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-
20


2-enol




1000









In this green grapefruit accord, 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol adds freshness and volume to the perfume and pushes the hesperidic orange-grapefruit aspect. Its long lasting effect helps to keep these properties over time.
EXAMPLE 19










A fougère-hesperidic perfume composition









parts per weight











Acetyl linalool synth.
30


Allyl amyl glycolate
5


Ambrettolide
15


Ambrofix
5


Armoise ess.
5


Bergamote ess.
80


Calone 10% DPG
25


Lemon ess. italie
30


Coumarine crist.
20


Cyclohexal
15


Dihydro myrcenol
85


Dipropylene glycol
100


Ebanol
20


Ethyl linalool
50


Evernyl
10


Fixolide
65


Florhydral
5


Geranium ess.
10


Givescone
5


Hedione
110


ISO E Super
65


Isoraldeine 95
10


Labienoxime 10% DPG
10


Lavander ess.
15


Methyl pampelmousse
65


Radjanol
40


Sandalore
15


Clary sage ess.
5


Stemone
10


Tricyclal 10% DPG
15


Tropional
40


1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-
20


2-enol




1000









The grapefruit character of this fougere accord is well accentuated by 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol especially in the dry down note. The compound harmonizes top and middle note and goes well together with the marine and woody facets of this perfume.
EXAMPLE 20










Blueberry flavor for a yoghurt









parts per weight











Geranium oil bourbon FG
0.30


Bergamot oil peel Italy
0.20


Ylang ylang oil rectified
0.05


Linalool
2.00


Orris resin (water soluble)
0.10


alpha-Terpineol
4.00


iso-Pentanol
0.70


Geraniol
0.10


Acetic acid
4.00


Acetoin (nature identical BV)
0.06


Eucalyptol
0.30


Ethyl hexanoate
1.00


Ethyl iso-pentanoat
20.00


Ethyl acetate
20.00


iso-Pentyl iso-pentanoate
12.00


Butyric acid
0.05


Ethyl butyrate
0.50


Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate
2.00


2-Methyl butyric acid
0.50


Butyl acetate
0.10


cis-3-Hexenol
0.50


iso-Pentyl acetate
3.50


Diacetyl
0.06


Methyl cinnamate
0.70


Ethyl lactate
1.00


Tannic acid
0.05


gamma-Nonalactone
0.25


Methyl iso-pentanoate
5.00


trans-2-Hexenal
0.50


3-trans-Hexenoic acid
0.20


Propylene glycol USP
919.28


1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-
1.00


2-enol




1000.00









1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol adds a natural fresh note to the flavor. The compound further boosts the blueberry-fruity taste in a yoghurt.
EXAMPLE 21










Pink grapefruit flavor for a yoghurt









parts per weight











Ethanol
805.2


Nootkatone (nature identical BV)
4.8


Orange oil 7.8-fold Brazil
34.0


Juniper berry extract CO2
10.0


Orange essence oil 10-fold Brazil
47.0


Orange oil 5-fold Palestine
50.0


Grapefruit base
48.0


1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-
1.0


2-enol




1000.0









In this pink grapefruit flavor 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol increases freshness and harmonizes well with its fruity-hesperidic note. The compound gives volume and a more natural taste in a yoghurt.

## Claims

1. A compound of the formula (I) 




comprising less than 18 carbon atoms
wherein A is a residue of the formula II, III or IV 




wherein 
R1-R6 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group, R7 is a methyl or ethyl group, and R8 and R7 are capable of forming together a furan ring; 
X is either a carbonyl group or CR8OR9, wherein R8 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethynyl or vinyl and R9 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; 
R10 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; the dotted line in formula (II) is a bond only if X is OR8R9; and the dotted line in formula (III) and the dotted line in formula (IV) optionally is a bond.

2. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein A is a residue of formula (IIa) 



wherein R1-R3 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group.

3. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein A is a residue of formula (IIb) 



wherein 
R1-R3 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group; 
R8 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethynyl or vinyl and R9 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; 
and the dotted line in formula (IIb) optionally is a bond.

4. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein the compound is
1,2,6trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclhex-2-enol.

5. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol; 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-1-vinyl-cyclohex-2-enol; 2,6-dimethyl-1-ethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol and 2-(2,3-dimethyl-but-2-enyl)-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohexanone.

6. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1, wherein the compound is 2,8-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone.

7. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1, wherein the compound is 6-methoxy-1,5,(-trimethyl-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene.

8. An organoleptic composition comprising a compound according to claim 1.

9. An organoleptic composition according to claim 8 comprising additional fragrance ingredients.

10. An organoleptic composition according to claim 8 comprising additional flavor ingredients.

11. A consumer product selected from the group which includes body care and cosmetic products including cream, shampoo, soap, sun cream, household products including detergents, household cleaners, fabric softener's, food and beverage products, and fine perfumes comprising a compound according to claim 1.

12. A food or beverage product comprising a compound according to claim 1.

13. A method of flavoring or fragrancing a product by adding at least one compound according to claim 1 to the product.

14. A method for preparing compounds of formula (I) 



comprising less than 18 carbon atoms 
wherein A is a residue of the formula (II) 




wherein 
R1-R6 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group, R7 is a methyl or ethyl group, and R5 and R7 are capable of forming together a phenyl or a furan ring; and 
X is a carbonyl group; 
said method comprises 
a) reacting a phenol derivative of the formula (V) 



wherein R1-R3 are independently hydrogen or a methyl group; 

under phase transfer conditions to the corresponding alkylated dienone of the formula (VI) 



wherein R1-R7 are independently hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl group; and 

b) selectively reducing the dienone of the formula (VI) by using a transition metal catalyst.

15. A compound selected from the group consisting of: 2,4,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone;
2,3,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone; 
6-benzyl-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone; 
1,3-dimethyl-3-3(3-methyt-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-one; 
2,2,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-3-enone; 
2,6dimethyl-2-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone; 
1,2,4,6-tetramethyl-8-8(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol; 
1,2,3-trimethyl-3-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-ol; 
2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2,4-dienone; and, 
1,2,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexa-2,4-dienol.