Carotenoids and related compounds. Part XIV. Stereochemistry and synthesis of geraniol, nerol, farnesol, and phytol

Abstract

The cis- and trans-structures assigned to nerol and geraniol respectively have been confirmed.

The trans, trans-structure of the common form of farnesol, and of the farnesyl pyrophosphate involved in the biosynthesis of squalene, has been rigorously established.

Phytol has been shown to have a trans-configuration about the double bond, and an R-configuration at both asymmetric centres.