Diels–Alder adducts derived from the natural phthalide Z-ligustilide

Z-Ligustilide, a naturally occurring phthalide isolated from Ligusticum porteri, underwent Diels–Alder reactions with different dienophiles yielding novel tricyclic products with potentially interesting biological properties. Where selectivity was possible, the reactions performed showed regio- and stereoselectivity. The experimental results with ethyl acrylate were compared with the selectivity predicted by ab initio calculations.