(+/-)-3 Deoxygericudranin A was designed and synthesized for the development of novel antitumour agent and for the elucidation of the effect of 3-hydroxyl group in gericudranin A on antitumour activity. 2,4.6-Trihydroxyacetophenone was converted to 3-deoxygericudranin A in 5 steps via sequential protection, aldol condensation, Michael tvpe-cyclization, regioselective, C-benzylation and deprotection.