1-(2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexyl)- hexan-3-ol is a
colorless liquid with a highly diffusive, powdery, woody odor. It is amixture of the cis- and trans-isomers. The trans-isomer has a more distinct animal and amber
character.
The title compound is prepared by condensation of citral with 2-
pentanone in the presence of bases to give 8,12-dimethyltrideca-5,7,11-trien-4-
one, which is cyclized and hydrogenated.
A high-trans mixture can be prepared starting from ??-cyclocitral, which is
hydrogenated to 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexane carboxaldehyde. Condensation
with 2-pentanone in the presence of sodium ethoxide yields the corresponding
3-hexenone. Hydrogenation with nickel–copper chromite as a catalyst gives a
mixture with up to 95% of the trans-isomer.
It is used in perfume compositions for soaps, detergents, and household products.
