AI Summary
This article discusses a new method for synthesizing the fine fragrance ambrox in the laboratory, eliminating the need to gather it from whales. The traditional source of ambrox is ambergris, a substance obtained from sperm whales, but it can now be obtained through partial synthesis from a natural product found in sage. The synthetic process developed by Prof. Benjamin List and his research group allows for the production of the desired mirror image of ambrox, which is responsible for its pleasant odor, in a more efficient and sustainable manner.
Mankind has been craving pleasant smells and therefore working on perfumes since ancient times—fine scents have always been considered a source of inspiration, and a good fragrance has always been a sign of health. The scarce natural product (−)-ambrox, which is traditionally isolated from ambergris, a waxy substance from the digestive tract of sperm whales, has been one of the most popular fragrances in the world for a long time.
More than 30 tons are produced annually. Importantly, only one mirror image out of 16 possible variants of the chiral molecule delivers the particularly pleasant odor sensation, which necessitates a stereoselective synthesis that only produces the desired mirror image.
Fortunately, it is no longer necessary to gather it from whales, but it can be obtained via partial synthesis from (−)-sclareol, a natural product that occurs in large amounts in a certain type of sage. However, the plant-based process to obtain ambrox requires multiple steps and is dependent on the availability of clary sage, which is subject to fluctuations.
Now a research group led by Prof. Benjamin List, Director at the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung, has succeeded in synthesizing the fragrant and highly complex chiral molecule in the laboratory. The researchers have published their results in the journal Nature in their article titled “The catalytic asymmetric polyene cyclization of homofarnesol