Transformations of the natural dimeric phthalide diligustilide

A series of intramolecular condensation products were obtained by base-catalyzed treatment of the natural bioactive dimeric phthalide diligustilide (1) using different reaction conditions and the yields remarkably depend on these. The reaction conditions to obtain selectively the intramolecular condensation derivatives or the hydrolysis products of diligustilide (1) are described.