<jats:p>The total synthesis of the lichen depsides 4′-O-methylnorsekikaic acid (2), 4′-O-methylnorhomosekikaic acid (7), 4′-O- methylnorcryptochlorophaeic acid (8) and 4′-O-methylcryptochlorophaeic acid (9) is reported, and the natural occurrence of these depsides in Ramalina species has been confirmed.