Preparation of macrocyclic musks via olefin metathesis: comparison with classical syntheses and recent advances

Recent advances in the synthesis of macrocycles with musk scent via catalytic olefin metathesis are presented with a particular emphasis on advantages offered by the metathesis technology. The review includes short historical background about musks and olefin metathesis to introduce the subject. Substantial emphasis is given on ring-closing metathesis (RCM) as a tool for the synthesis of cyclic compounds such as civetone, muscone, exaltolide, ambrettolide/isoambrettolide, and yuzu lactone