Synthesis and antioxidant activity of oxygenated furofuran lignans.

Nine furofuran compounds having a different type of oxidation were synthesized from one common intermediate in a short series of steps, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. It was found that the tertiary hydroxy group on the furofuran ring affected the degree of antioxidant activity and that the structure, except for the phenolic part, was important for the antioxidant activity.