Synthesis,Separation, and Theoretical Studies of Chiral Biphenyl Lignans (α‐ and β‐DDB)

Two biphenyl lignans, α‐ and β‐DDB ( 1 and 2 , respectively) were efficiently synthesized without contamination by other regio‐isomers. The different yields of the Ullmann coupling reactions for the synthesis of 1 and 2 were rationalized by calculating steric hindrance, stability, entropy change, and heat‐of‐formation values. The enantiomers of 1 and 2 were readily separated by HPLC on a chiral stationary phase. Their configurations were assigned based on the Cotton effect of the authentic natural products.