(a) You are the chief organic chemist for Bugs and Slugs, Inc., a firm that specializes in environmentally friendly pest control. You have been asked to design a synthesis of 4-methyl-3-heptanol, the aggregation pheromone of the European elm beetle (the carrier of Dutch elm disease). Propose a synthesis of this compound from starting materials containing five or fewer carbons.

(b) After successfully completing the synthesis in part (a) and delivering your compound, you are advised that it appears to be a mixture of isomers. Assuming that you have prepared the correct compound, provide an explanation.