Silicon Analogues of the Musk Odorant Versalide

Twofold sila-substitution (C/Si exchange) of the musk odorant Versalide (1a) provides Disila-versalide (1b). The silicon compound 1b and its derivatives 2b (Et/Me exchange) and 3b (Et/H exchange) were synthesized by starting from 1,2-bis(ethynyldimethylsilyl)ethane. The silicon compounds 1b-3b and their carbon analogues 1a-3a were studied for their olfactory properties and their biodegradability.