Asymmetric aldol approach to dibenzylbutyrolactone lignans: synthesis of (−)-(7′S)-hydroxymatairesinol and (−)-(7′S)-hydroxyarctigenin

A competent and general asymmetric synthesis of 7′-hydroxydibenzylbutyrolactone lignans such as (7′S)-hydroxymatairesinol and (7′S)-hydroxyarctigenin has been reported from N-succinyl-2-oxazolidinone in six steps where diastereoselective aldol reaction and stereoselective alkylation serve as the key steps.