Synthesis of mixed musks via Eschenmoser-Tanabe fragmentation, enyne metathesis and Diels-Alder reaction as key steps.

Musk analogues containing different macrocyclic ring systems as well as different annulated ring systems were synthesised by a simple and useful strategy. This strategy includes Eschenmoser-Tanabe fragmentation, enyne metathesis and Diels-Alder reaction as key steps. Starting from easily available ( n ) macrocyclic ketones, ( n + 3) macrocyclic systems were assembled using the basic organic reactions.