2-Arylbenzofuran neolignans from the bark of Nectandra purpurascens (Lauraceae).

The toluene extract of the stem bark of N. purpurascens (R&P) Mez. contained a large amount of these 2-arylbenzofurans including methyl 7-methoxy-2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)benzofuran-5-carboxylate (2), a new benzofuran, along with three known compounds identified as kumatakenin (1), 5-(2-propenyl)-7-methoxy-2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)benzofuran (3), and egonoic acid (4). The structure of the new compound was established on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.