Ruzicka large ring synthesis

The Ruzicka large ring synthesis or Ruzicka reaction  or Ruzicka cyclization is an organic reaction in which a dicarboxylic acid is converted to a cyclic ketone at high temperature and a suitable catalyst such as thorium oxide. The reaction is named after Lavoslav Ružička who invented it in 1926.



The reaction has been applied in the synthesis of Exaltone, a synthetic Muscone.