Racemic Synthesis of Linderuca C from lignin derived starting materials

Abstract

The biopolymer lignin represents a sustainable source of mono-aromatic compounds and, consequently, an alternative to oil for accessing potential feedstock chemicals. Here we report the first synthesis of the natural product Linderuca C, a pharmacologically active compound belonging to the large family of lignans from three different lignin-derived compounds. These can be prepared either by oxidative or reductive depolymerisation of lignin. A key step investigated the use of a Ti-mediated cyclisation reaction. The synthesised sample of Linderuca C was compared using NMR methods to the data reported in the literature, confirming the assigned structure.