Method for producing optically active 2,3-dihydrofarnesal

A method for producing an optically active 2,3-dihydrofarnesal of formula (1):

• wherein * represents an asymmetric carbon atom, the method comprising:
• subjecting β-farnesene of formula (2) to amination in the presence of a lithium salt of an amine:
• to obtain (2E)-farnesyl allylamine of general formula (3):
• wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, optionally substituted alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally substituted 3-to 8-membered alicyclic groups, optionally substituted aryl groups having 6 to 15 carbon atoms, optionally substituted heterocyclic groups having 2 to 15 carbon atoms, and optionally substituted aralkyl groups having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, provided that R1 and R2 do not represent hydrogen atoms at the same time, or R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other to form a ring;
• subsequently subjecting the (2E)-farnesyl allylamine to asymmetric isomerization to obtain an optically active farnesyl enamine of general formula (4):
• wherein R1, R2, and * have the same meanings as defined above;
• and
• further subjecting the optically active farnesyl enamine to solvolysis.