The total synthesis of sevanol, a novel lignan isolated from the thyme plant (Thymus armeniacus)

Recently, a novel lignan sevanol was isolated from the thyme plant Thymus armeniacus. During structure-functional elucidation it showed significant biological activity on ASIC3 acid sensing channels. Herein we describe the first synthesis of sevanol with a 3% overall yield. The construction of a dihydronaphthalene ring by oxidative dimerization of a protected dihydroxycinnamic acid ester in the presence of ferric chloride (III) is a key step in this first total synthesis of sevanol.