Synthesis of a 3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoyl Ester Analogue of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): A Potential Route to the Natural Product Green Tea Catechin, EGCG

The synthesis of a trimethoxybenzoyl ester (D-ring) analogue of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is described. The versatile synthesis route can be used to synthesize A, B, and D ring analogues of EGCG and involves a key cyclization of the chalcone to the 3-flavene. This synthesis provides a possible route to the polyphenolic green tea natural product EGCG.