Convenient synthesis of the sex pheromone of Asian corn gorer

The sex pheromone of Asian corn borer Z/E-12-tetradecene-1-ol acetates has been easily synthesized in an overall yield of 45% starting from the commercially available 1,12-dodecanediol through mono-esterification and Wittig reaction, the ratio (Z/E) is 90/10. Configuration transformation of high ratio (Z/E=90/10) compound with sodium nitrite and nitric acid resulted in the production of low ratio (Z/E=25/75) compound. The products were confirmed by 1H NMR and MS spectra.