2-(3-Acetyl-2,2-dimethylcyclobutyl)acetic acid(pinonic acid) is synthesized using α-pinene as raw material and potassium permanganate as oxidant.

Synthesis of pionic acid from α-pinene by permanganate oxidation or ozonolysis, and synthesis of cyclobutane ring derivatives of pinonic acid have been reviewed.

In order to improve the strict conditions and the long reaction time required in the traditional method for preparing pinonic acid,a new method,in which surfactant was used to catalyze the oxidation of α pinene,was brought forward.