Oxidative transformation of the natural lignan hydroxymatairesinol with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone

The oxidative transformation of the two isomers of the natural lignan hydroxymatairesinol from Norway Spruce (Picea abies) by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), has been studied. Significant differences in the outcome of the reactions were observed when the pure isomers of hydroxymatairesinol were reacted with DDQ under the same conditions. The different stereoelectronic effects in the two isomers as well as their conformational structures seem to determine the site of reaction, which results in different reaction products. Several products were identified by GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Oxomatairesinol was obtained in a yield of 25%.