An improved synthesis of (−)-dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphthol[2,1-b]furan via ozonolysis of (−)-sclareol

Abstract Ozonolysis of (−)-sclareol 1 under a wide range of experimental conditions has been investigated. The addition of one of the following; sodium periodate, sodium iodate, iodine or potassium iodide affords after workup the methyl-ketone 2 in excellent yield. Further elaboration of 2 afforded the title compound 4 in high yield.