It's often a good idea to start retrosynthetic analysis of target molecules containing isolated
double bonds by considering FGI to the alkyne because C-C disconnections can then become quite
easy.
This cis-alkene is a component of violet oil, and
component. FGI to the alkyne reveals two further
is an intermediate in the synthesis of a violet oil
disconnections that make use of alkyne alkyla-
lions. The reagent we need for the first of these is, of course, the epoxide as there is a 1,2-relationship
between the OH group and the alkyne