Abstract A six??step general and very efficient synthesis of 4??(arylmethyl)??5, 5?? dialkyldihydrofuranones starting from corresponding aryl aldehyde has been developed. Solafuranone, a novel furanone isolated from the Chinese folk medicine Solanum indicum, has been accomplished starting from 2, 6??dimethylbenzaldehyde in six steps in an overall yield of 70%. Contrary to expectations, solafuranone and its analogue failed to exhibit any ...
