Total synthesis of (+) - Leiocarpin and (±) isohemileiocarpin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)89769-6

(±)-Leiocarpin 11 has been synthesised by Heck arylation of the bischromene 10, with 2-chloromercurio-4,5- methylenedioxyphenol. Further, a new pterocarpan 12, an Isomer of the naturally occurring hemillelocarpin and named Isohemllelocarpin has also been synthesised by a similar arylation of the bischromene 10 with 3-methoxy-2-chloromercuriophenol. The formation of 11 and 12, Indicate the selective reactivity of one of the chromene rings in 10.