Abstract: A grignard synthesis of pharmacologically active 1,4-bis(dihydroxyphenyl)butane and analogs, as well as novel intermediates, is provided, comprising preparing a grignard reagent preferably, a 3,4-dialkoxyphenyl propyl magnesium bromide, which may be reacted with carbonyl compounds to form intermediates of desired end products, said carbonyl compounds preferably being 3,4-dialkoxybenzaldehydes. The resulting alcohol is converted to a corresponding ether or siloxy compound, at the carbonyl site. The oxy-substituent is cleaved off; and the benzene ring or rings dealkylated to leave hydroxy substituents on the rings.

Abstract: A process for producing novel compositions including optically active molecules of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (d,1-2,3-dimethyl,1,4-bis(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)butane) and intermediates, starting with 1,4-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)butanone, or other structurally similar composition having oxy substituents at the 3,4-phenyl positions, comprising (1) forming the corresponding butanol; (20) forming the corresponding 1,4-butane ether or siloxy composition; (3) cleaving the oxy substituent from the butane chain at the 1 and 4 positions; (4) dealkylating the phenols at the 3,4 positions to leave hydroxy substituents with hydrobromic acid reflux for 8 to 10 hours. Optical orientation is preserved throughout.