Total Syntheses of (+)-Sesamin and (+)-Sesaminol

Total syntheses of (+)-sesamin (1a) and (+)-sesaminol (1b), which are major components of sesame lignans derived from Sesamum indicum, were accomplished in a highly stereo-controlled manner. Key steps include an L-proline-catalyzed cross-aldol reaction, which was accelerated with the aid of bifunctional urea 7, and the construction of a furofuran lignan skeleton through a quinomethide intermediate.