Isophytol

Isophytol has been in found in two red algae species and more than 15 plant species. Concentrations found have been low. ==Synthesis==

It can be synthesized in six steps from pseudoionone and propargyl alcohol. Total synthesis begins with the combination of acetylene and acetone to produce 3-methyl-1-butyn-3-ol. Hydrogenation by palladium catalysis results in 3-methyl-1-buten-3-ol. Reaction with diketene or acetic acid ester creates the acetoacetate; thermal reaction leads to 2-methyl-2-hepten-6-one. The steps of adding acetylene and then isopropenyl methyl ether and hydrogenating the product are done twice (this involves an intermediate of pseudoionone); then acetylene is added to create dehydroisophytol. Hydrogenation results in isophytol. ==Uses==

Production industrially was estimated to be 35000 to 40000 tons in 2002, created by total synthesis, with about 99.9% used in synthesizing vitamin E and vitamin K1. More than 95% of the less than 40 tons used annually in consumer products is as a fragrance. Less than 2 tons a year is used for flavoring. In perfumes the concentration is 0.2% v/v at most. ==Toxicology==

Oral values in mammals are greater than 5000 mg/kg. ==See also==