Abstract: The oxazoline-mediated biaryl coupling reaction was applied successfully to the total synthesis of a series of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in chiral nonracemic form. The diastereoselectivities achieved in the coupling reaction varied in a predictable manner, primarily as a function of the ortho substituents on the phenyl Grignard reagent. Chiral cyclooctanones 17r and 17s were accessible in 23% overall yield (seven isolated ...
