2-Aryldihydrobenzofuran Neolignans: Synthesis of Ficusal and Tomentosanan B

The synthesis of 2-aryldihydrobenzofurans, ficusal and tomentosanan B was achieved via two different cross-coupling methods between aryl or iodoaryl with coniferyl alcohol. Both Pd(OAc)2 catalysed coupling reactions were performed in the presence of base with or without ligand; an oxidant or phase transfer agent. Tomentosanan B was also obtained directly from the reduction of ficusal using NaBH4. The structures of these 2-aryldihydrobenzofuran neolignans were confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS.