2-Aryl-substituted benzofurans such as ailanthoidol and its structural analogues belong to neolignan family. 1 This class of compounds is known for various biological properties such as antiviral, anticancer, antiproliferative, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and immuno-suppressive. 2a and 2b Recently, some groups have reported the synthesis of ailanthoidol and its analogues. 2 and 3 For example, a synthesis reported by Chern et al. involves ...