NEW MATERIAL:A condensed ring compound expressed by formula I (R1 is H or lower alkyl).
EXAMPLE: A compound expressed by formula II (R1 is CH3).
USE: A synthetic intermediate for decaline derivatives expressed by formula III which are plant growth regulators or active constituents thereof.
PREPARATION: A condensed ring compound expressed by formula IV is reacted with a cyclizing reagent, e.g. a permanganate salt, in a solvent, e.g. acetone, in the presence of a base, e.g. NaHCO3, to give the compound expressed by formula I, which is then partially dehydrogenated to afford a compound expressed by formula V. The resultant compound expressed by formula V is further reacted with an alkylated thiol or alkylenedithiol to afford a novel compound expressed by formula VI [R2' and R3' are lower alkylthiol or mutually link to form a group expressed by formula VII (n is 2 or 3)], which is desulfurized to give a compound expressed by formula VIII. The resultant compound expressed by formula VIII is epoxidized with an epoxidizing agent and then dealkylated to afford a compound expressed by formula III (X is H).
ICHIHARA AKITAMI
