Abstract The epimeric 2-(1-Hydroxyethyl)-5-methyl-4-hexenoic acids have been prepared by bakers yeast reduction of the corresponding oxo compound or by alkylation of an optically pure 3-hydroxybutanoate. Radical chain decarboxylation afforded the antipodes of sulcatol. The method is probably widely applicable to the synthesis of other optically pure alcohols.
