Synthesis and sweet taste of some 2-phenylbenzodioxanes

The synthesis of a series of 2-phenyl-1,4-benzodioxanes is reported. One of them, 2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-benzodioxane, is 450 times sweeter than sucrose, with an aftertaste similar to that of Phyllodulcin. Like this latter and other analogues, it satisfies the requirements of the Temussi sweet taste receptor model.