Classical lignans consist of two C6–C3 units joined by a direct C8–C8′ carbon–carbon bond. On the basis of this shared linkage, different lignans vary in the oxidation states of oxygen-containing functional groups on their side chains, intramolecular C–O linkages, and additional C–C linkages. ...
Lignan-related natural products share a common phenylpropanoid structural basis. However, their fundamental classification as “lignans,” “neolignans,” or “oxyneolignans” does not depend on the presence of specific structural features such as furan rings, lactone rings, or biphenyl scaffolds. The ...
Oxygen in lignan molecules can occur in different functional groups, including phenolic hydroxyls, aryl methyl ethers, methylenedioxy groups, aliphatic alcohols, carbonyl groups, lactones, and glycosides. When the functional state of an oxygen atom changes, the manner in which its lone pairs ...
Once the two-dimensional connectivity of lignans is established, their three-dimensional structures can still differ substantially as a result of tetrahedral stereocenters, restricted biaryl rotation, and changes in ring conformation. Whether a tetrahedral carbon constitutes a stereocenter ...