Betuligenol derivative with growth inhibition and antifeedant activity

The title chiral amine, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-methylpropylamine 5 has been synthesized from naturally abundant betuligenol 1 in three steps and also in good yield. Furthermore, the versatile intermediate 3 could be manipulated for the preparation of chiral disulphide 7. The amine derivative 5 prepared from (−)-betuligenol showed significant growth inhibition and antifeedant activity.