Lysichitalexin [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-nitroethane] 1, a stress induced metabolite from Lysichitum americanum, has been synthesized starting from 4-methoxybenzaldehyde in two steps with an overall yield of 64%. The intermediate product, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-nitroethene 3 showed excellent antimicrobial activity.