Concise synthesis of Inonophenol A and B, phenolic metabolites from the cultivated edible mushroom <i>Inonotus hispidus</i>

A simple method is developed for the synthesis of inonophenol A and B, phenolic metabolites from the cultivated edible mushroom Inonotus hispidus, from commercially available 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. The synthetic route employs the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction; it is straightforward and efficient, requiring only four steps for inonophenol A (57%).