The present invention includes methods for preparing resveratrol, resveratrol esters and substituted and unsubstituted stilbenes of the formula given below; where each Y is --O or halogen, each Z is --O or halogen, each n and each m is independently the value of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, each A and each B is independently selected from P.sub.n, R or absent, each V and each W is independently selected from P.sub.n, straight or branched alkyl of from (2) to (6) carbon atoms and cycloalkyl of from (3) to (8) carbon atoms, alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl or halogen, R is independently selected from the group comprising alkyl with at least one carbon atom, aryl and aralkyl, P.sub.n is an alcohol protecting group and diastereoisomers of the foregoing. The compounds are made from a multi-step process including a N-heterocyclic carbene-type ligand coupling in the presence of a base with benzyol halide and styrene coupling partners. These compounds show increased stability for use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. ##STR00001##