Synthesis and odor description of both enantiomers of methyl 4,5-didehydrojasmonate, a component of jasmin absolute

Synthesis of both enantiomers of methyl 4,5-didehydrojasmonate (1, Δ^4,5-MJA; >99.8% ee), a constituent of jasmin absolute, established the absolute configuration of the natural product, and their odor quality was evaluated. The fragrance of the natural (3S,7R)-enantiomer (a fresh natural, sweet floral fruity odor, reminiscent of Jasmin and Ylang Ylang flower, more intensive and tenacious) was superior to that of the unnatural (3R,7S)-enantiomer (a floral green odor with slight metallic green aspect, less intensive than the natural form) and the racemate (green-floral note, having weak and less volume than methyl jasmonate). Odor difference between natural and unnatural enantiomers of methyl jasmonate (2) is also reported.