7-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-6-methylindeno[5,6-d] [1,3]dioxol-5-one 2 has been reported as a neo-lignan isolated from the fruits of Virola sebifera. However, physical and spectroscopic data obtained from two synthetic samples of 2 do not match those quoted in the isolation paper. Data obtained from an isomer, 3-(benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-5,6-dimethoxy-2-methylinden-1-one 10, are in closer agreement but rile C-13 NMR spectrum reveals many inconsistencies. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.