Straightforward preparation of biologically active dimers of ferulic acid

Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) is an ubiquitous phenolic compound in plant tissues, and it constitutes a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in many foods. Here we present different convenient ways to obtain five naturally occurring DiFAs via peroxidase-mediated oxidative coupling reactions or classic cross-coupling oxidations through a sustainable, safe and inexpensive chemistry. Such compounds arise from 5-5’, 8-8’, 8-5’ and 8-O-4’ coupling and some of them have been tested as potential inhibitors of micotoxin productionin vitro.