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In early 2002, Takasago was issued a patent for the preparation of (-)-menthol from mesityl oxide via piperitenone. As with their commercial process via myrcene, this synthesis utilizes chiral hydrogenation catalysts at several stages. The key step is the conversion of piperitenone to (+)-pulegone in about 90% yield with enantioselectivity in the range of 98%.

While it is not expected that this process will replace the successful myrcene process, it provides Takasago with another option if myrcene is difficult to obtain.

This patent is available for download below.

1. Sayo, Noboru & Matsumoto, Takaji; Method for producing 1-menthol , United States Patent 6,342,644 (January 29, 2002 )