The Stereoselective Hydrogenation of Nepetalactoles. The Role of C1 Alkoxyl Groups on the Stereoselectivity

The stereoselective hydrogenation of nepetalactol and its derivatives was examined. From the stereochemical outcome and the conformational analyses of starting materials, it was concluded that, in the hydrogenation of nepetalactols, the most important factor which determined the steric course of reaction is the configuration of C1 position which carries the alkoxyl group