Synthesis of Three Putative Kairomones of the Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil <i>Orchestes fagi</i> (L.)

The beech leaf-mining weevil, Orchestes fagi (L.), also known as the beech flea weevil, is a common and widespread pest of beech, Fagus sylvatica L., in its native Europe. It now appears to be well established in Nova Scotia, Canada. We report a novel synthesis of 9-geranyl-p-cymene, and syntheses of 9-geranyl-α -terpinene and 1,1-dimethyl-3-methylene-2-vinylcyclohexane making partial use of known methods. All three of these compounds are found in beech leaf volatiles and / or wood, and are putative kairomones of the beech leaf-mining weevil.