Synthesis of furofuran lignans

This review covers synthetic routes to lignans belonging to the 2,6-disubstituted dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane subclass (also known as furofurans). The different approaches have been loosely categorised according to the synthetic strategies applied. The routes discussed range from the classical biomimetic oxidative coupling of cinnamyl derivatives to more recent asymmetric syntheses.