A convenient semi-synthesis of (8R,8'R)-matairesinol 4,4'-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (MDG), found in the stems of Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium, is described starting from the readily available starting materials D-glucose and hydroxymatairesinol. By this approach the synthesis of MDG can be accomplished in six steps with an overall yield of 28%. In addition, the first complete NMR-spectroscopic characterization of MDG was accomplished by the combination of standard NMR techniques and spectral simulations performed with the PERCH NMR simulation software. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.