Plant Growth Suppressive Activity of ()-3-(7'-Aryl-9'-hydroxyprop-8'-yl)coumarin, Structural Isomer of -2-Hydroxybenzylidene-γ-butyrolactone-type Lignan.

3-(7'-Aryl-9'-hydroxyprop-8'-yl)coumarin, which is a structural isomer of a -2-hydroxybenzylidene-γ-butyrolactone-type lignan, was stereoselectively synthesized and subjected to plant growth regulation examination. ()-4'-Methoxyphenyl derivative showed stereospecific plant growth suppressive activity. The significance of the presence of hydroxy group at the 9'-position for the activity was clarified.