The first synthesis of (±)-cycloolivil: a highly stereoselective synthesis of 3-hydroxy-1-aryltetralin lignans based on the stereoselective hydroxylation of α,β-dibenzyl-γ-butyrolactones

Cycloolivil, a representative example of 3-hydroxy-1-aryltetralin lignans, was stereoselectively synthesised in good yields based on the Stereoselective electrophilic addition to the metal enolate of α,β-disubstituted γ-butyrolactone as a key step.