Synthesis of dl-aleprylic acid

dl-Aleprylic acid [7-(cyclopent-2'-en-1'-yl)-heptanoic acid], a natural constituent of chaulmoogra oil with reputed antileprosy properties, has been synthesized. Electrolysis of a mixture of (cyclopent-2'-en-1'-yl)-acetic acid and methyl monoester of heptanedioic acid in methanol yielded, after saponification of the reaction products, the racemic mixture.