Condensation of 2.4.5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde with hydantoin followed by catalytic hydrogenation gave 5-(2.4.5-trimethoxybenzyl)-hydantoin, which was converted to 3-amino-3.4-dihydro-6.7-dihydroxycoumarin by treatment with hydrobromic acid. Hydrolysis of the lactone led to 3-(2.4.5-trihydroxyphenyl)- DL-alanine.