An Efficient Synthesis of (+/-)-Xanthorrhizol: One Pot Decyanation and Demethylation

A new and short total synthesis affording (±)-Xanthorrhizol in 90% overall yield is described. The method comprises three steps: 1) C-alkylation of 3-methoxy-4-methyl-benzylcyanide with 5-iodine-2-methyl-pent-2-ene; 2) Cmethylation of the resulting cyanide; and 3) one-pot decyanation and demethylation carried out by the action of lithium.