Scalable Synthesis of 6,6-Dimethylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one

A simple five-step process for the conversion of technical grade (+)-3-carene into 6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one was developed. A robust process was required that delivered the 6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one, minimized chromatography, reduced the excess of silver salts, and avoided toxic chromium oxidants. A simple and scalable process that relies on crystallization and distillation was developed and demonstrated to produce hundreds of grams of 6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-one.