Total synthesis of bi-magnolignan

Bi-magnolignan, isolated from the leaves of Magnolia officinalis, has shown excellent physiological activity against tumor cells. An efficient strategy for the first total synthesis of bi-magnolignan is reported. The bi-dibenzofuran skeleton was constructed via functional group interconversions of commercially available materials 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene and 4-allylanisole. Then, the dibenzofuran skeleton was afforded by subsequent Suzuki coupling and intramolecular dehydration. The total synthesis of natural product was accomplished through FeCl 3 catalyzed oxidative coupling. The first total synthesis of bi-magnolignan in eight steps from commercially available starting materials has been developed.