Concise synthesis of Cannabisin G

Cannabisin G (1), a naturally occurring lignanamide, was synthesized in 45% overall yield starting from 3-tert-butyl ethyl ferulate (6). An oxidative coupling by potassium ferricyanide in an alkaline media serves as the key step to construct the biphenylbutadiene skeleton of 1 with high regioselectivity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.