Abstract: Shown is a process for the synthesis of acyclic, terpene alcohols, such as 3,7-dimethyloctan-1-o1 and 7-substituted hydroxy or ethoxy derivatives thereof, wherein 3-methylbut-1-yn or the 3-substituted hydroxy or ether derivative thereof is coupled with a C.sub.5 coupling reagent having the configuration ##STR1## X being a leaving group such as chloride, bromide, iodide, tosylate and mesylate; R being ##STR2## or OR', R' being a lower alkyl up to 5 carbon atoms, phenyl, substituted phenyl up to 10 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl or aralkyl up to 10 carbon atoms, followed by hydrogenation and saponification or deetherification.