Rose oxide is an organic compound of the pyran class of monoterpenes. The compound has a cis- and a trans-isomer, each with a (+)- and (−)-stereoisomer, but only the (−)-cis isomer (odor threshold 0.5 ppb) is responsible for the typical rose (floral green) fragrance.[2]
Production
Rose oxide can be produced industrially beginning with photooxygenation of citronellol to give the allyl hydroperoxide which is then reduced with sodium sulfite to provide the diol. Ring-closure with sulfuric acid forms both the cis- and trans-isomers in equal amounts.[3]
^Alsters, P. L.; Jary, W. .; Nardello-Rataj, V.; Aubry, J. M. (2010). ""Dark" Singlet Oxygenation of β-Citronellol: A Key Step in the Manufacture of Rose Oxide". Organic Process Research & Development. 14: 259–262. doi:10.1021/op900076g.