The mechanism of formation of 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene in the synthesis of 3-methylene-7-methyl-1,6-octadiene

2,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadiene is formed in the catalytic solution for the dimerization of 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene to β-myrcene (3-methylene-7-methyl-1,6-octadiene), as revealed by mass spectrometry and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Visual observations together with the results of gas chromatographic analysis of the catalytic solution suggest that the formation of 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene is associated with the transition of the alkali metal (sodium) from the solid phase into the solution. A reaction pathway is suggested accounting for the formation of 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene in the system.