This paper reviews progresses i total synthesis of lignans involving about twenty lignan compounds made by our research group over the last five years, which includes: 1) the total synthesis of nordihydroguaiautic acid and several other lignans by the coupling of β-keto esters, 2) the first synthesis of (±)-sinaiticin by coupling with silver oxide and cyclization with DDQ, and 3) an enantioselective synthesis approach to chiral 1, 4-benzodioxane lignans using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as a key step.

Key words: LIGNANS, BENZO-, DIOXANE P, SELECTIVITY, ENANTIOMORPH, TOTAL SYNTHESIS