a method for preparing plasmalogens and derivatives thereof represented by formula b , wherein r1 and r2 are similar or different , derived from fatty acids ; r3 is selected from hydrogen and small alkyl groups . the synthetic route involves production of novel cyclic plasmalogen precursors of formula a and their conversion to plasmalogens and plasmalogen derivatives of formula b . also disclosed is the therapeutic use of plasmalogens and derivatives thereof as produced by the synthetic route of the present invention .