To produce the subject compound usable as a synthesis intermediate, etc., of an insect pest repellent by reacting a mixture of 3-carene and acetonitrile with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a salt.
The objective 3-carene epoxide of formula II is obtained by reacting a mixture of 3-carene of formula I (a wedge-type mark represents relative configuration) and acetonitrile with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a salt selected from an alkali metal carbonate and an alkali metal bicarbonate in a solvent at 55-65°C. The amounts of the acetonitrile and the hydrogen peroxide used therefor are each 1.5-3mol per mol of 3-carene and the amount of the salt is 0.05-0.2mol. The 3-carene epoxide of formula II can be introduced into 3,4-carenediol of formula III useful as an insect pest repellent, etc.
MAEHARA AKIRA
YAMADA YOSHIMI
