The codimerisation of 1,3-dienes and acrylic compounds is a feasible strategy for the synthesis of functionalised alkenes. In this work, a direct approach to novel C-13 esters for the flavour and fragrance industry was performed by codimerisation of myrcene and methyl acrylate. Thus, a further contribution was demonstrated for the use of terpenes as a biobased feedstock for fine chemicals. Different homogeneous ruthenium catalysts showed high activities in the target reaction. Systematic optimisation of the reaction parameters were carried out, resulting in high regioselectivities and yields. A comparison of codimerisation products described in the literature and the observed C-13 esters led to mechanistic discussions. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.