Lignan process

A process for preparing the compound of Formula I:

• wherein:
• R.sup.8 is halogen, lower alkyl, or lower alkoxy;
• .circle.Ar is phenyl or 1- or 2-naphthyl;
• and
• m is 0, 1, or 2;
• which comprises:
• a) reacting a compound of formula 2:
• ##STR12## with a strong base in an ethereal solvent, adding butenolide thereto, then quenching with 3-benzyloxybenzaldehyde all at -100.degree. to 0.degree. C., to produce a compound of formula 3 ##STR13## b) reacting compound 3 with a strong acid in the presence of a cation scavenger at 0.degree.-150.degree. C. to produce said compound of formula I.