Lavandulol – biological activity and synthesis

Lavandulol and its esters play a significant role in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Because of their biological activity they have recently become relevant in research on pheromones. Many natural sources of this important alcohol are known along with synthetic methods allowing to achieve either an optically pure product or a racemic mixture. The article presents a short overview on new natural resources of the alcohol, its sensory and pheromonal characteristics and synthesis of its racemic mixture and enantiomers.