Method A.-An alcoholic solution of potassium hydroxide (0.5 mole per mole of ester) was added to an alcoholic solution of alkyl farnesylmalonate6 and the mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for about 30 hr. After removal of alcohol, acidification, and extraction with ether, the residue was decarboxylated by heating in vacuo for 4 hr. at 150”. It then was dissolved with ether and washed with sodium carbonate or some other weakly ...
