Stereoselective synthesis of tetrahydrofuran lignans via BF(3) x OEt(2)-promoted reductive deoxygenation/epimerization of cyclic hemiketal: synthesis of (-)-odoratisol C, (-)-futokadsurin A, (-)-veraguensin, (+)-fragransin A(2), (+)-galbelgin, and (+)-talaumidin.

A versatile route to the synthesis of 2,5-diaryl-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran lignans, (-)-odoratisol C (1), (-)-futokadsurin A (2), (-)-veraguensin (3), (+)-fragransin A2 (4), (+)-galbelgin (5), and (+)-talaumidin (6), is described. Central to the synthesis of the lignans is BF(3) x OEt(2)-promoted deoxygenation/epimerization of the hemiketal 9a followed by stereoselective reduction of the oxocarbenium ion intermediates 8a,b.