A simple biogenetic-type synthesis of magnosalicin. A new neolignan with antiallergy activity isolated from magnolia salicifolia

Magnosalicin [(±)-( 2R * , 3S * , 4R * , 5R * )-2,4-dimethyl-3,5-bis(2',4',5'-tri-methoxyphenyl) Tetrahydrofuran] was synthesized in a single step in 15.6% yield from α-asarone by peracetic acid oxidation. The stereochemistry of (±2,4-dimethyl-3,5-bis (4'-methoxyphenyl)tetrahydrofuran, a product of peracetic acid oxidation of anethole, was shown to be same as that of magnosalicin 2R * , 3S * , 4R * , 5R * by X-ray crystallographic analysis.