The total synthesis of four neolignans-fragnasols A (1), B (2), and C (3) a
nd dehydrodiisoeugenol (4)-starting from the readily available phenol deriv
ative isoeugenol (5) was accomplished. The key step of the synthesis of the
se natural products is a novel type of dimerization of 5 into 4 with iodobe
nzene diacetate.