Enantioselective synthesis of a benzofuranic neolignan by oxidative coupling

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00473-0

The first stereoselective free radical coupling of a phenylpropenoidic phenolic compound is reported. The oxidation of a chiral ferulic acid amide to give dimeric benzofuranic neolignan is performed enzymatically using horseradish peroxidase as the catalyst. Enantiomeric excess in a biologically active compound with phenylcoumaran skeleton (β-5 dimer) is thus obtained.