A new asymmetric synthesis of (+)-grandisol via a kinetic resolution

A novel approach to the asymmetric synthesis of (+)-grandisol involves the use of catalytic kinetic resolution of a primary allylic alcohol. The allylic alcohol is prepared in 4 steps from simple achiral materials and the resolved alcohol (95%e.e.) is reduced in 2 steps to the corresponding methyl alkene. This alkene is converted to (+)-grandisol (95%e.e.).