Utilizing appropriate dibenzylbutanolides, for example 7, obtained via an efficient synthetic route from readily available aldehydes, and cell-free extracts obtained from Catharanthus roseus cell cultures, it was possible to achieve enzyme-catalyzed oxidative coupling of 7 to picropodophyllotoxin analogues. Studies are presently underway to convert such compounds to intermediates employed in the synthesis of the commercially important anti- ...