SARs of vitamins: (2R,4′R,8′R)‐nor‐α‐Tocopherol has been prepared from (all‐R)‐hexahydrofarnesol in high (94 %) diasteromeric excess, and (2RS,4′R,8′R)‐nor‐α‐tocopherol has beeen prepared from phytol. nor‐α‐Tocopherol displays excellent antiinflammatory properties in vitro.