Disclosed herein are improved methods for the synthesis of honokiol, as well as methods for the synthesis of 3,3′-di-tert-butyl-5,5′-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,4′-diol, 3′,5-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,4′-diol, and 2,4′-dimethoxy-3′,5-dimethyl-1,1′-biphenyl, 3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,4′-diol, and certain tetrasubstituted bisphenols, and uses therefor.