Sorbic Acid and Its Derivatives as a Material for Leaf Alcohol Synthesis

(E)-Hex-2-en-1-ol and (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol are usually referred to as the leaf alcohols. The alcohols are of special interest, as they are used in perfume industry and food processing as powerful additives to flavors and fragrances. The review deals with their synthesis starting from the (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid or its derivatives. One of its problems is the required stereospecificity and regioselectivity. The most selective heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts for their synthesis are discussed.