A short semi-synthesis and complete NMR-spectroscopic characterization of the naturally occurring lignan glycoside matairesinol 4,4'-di-O-beta-D-diglucoside.

A convenient semi-synthesis of (8R,8'R)-matairesinol 4,4'-di-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (MDG), found in the stems of Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium, is described starting from the readily available starting materials d-glucose and hydroxymatairesinol. By this approach the synthesis of MDG can be accomplished in six steps with an overall yield of 28%. In addition, the first complete NMR-spectroscopic characterization of MDG was accomplished by the combination of standard NMR techniques and spectral simulations performed with the PERCH NMR simulation software.