<jats:p>Reduction of gmelinol (I) with sodium and ethanol in liquid ammonia gives the trio1 (III), the constitution of which is confirmed by oxidation with lead tetra-acetate to produce formaldehyde. Eudesmin (VIII) by a similar reduction gives rise to the enantiomer of the known diol (IX), galgravin (X) gives rise to XI, and 3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl decyl ether produces 3,4-dimethoxytoluene.