Synthesis of Theaflavins via Biomimetic Oxidative Coupling Reactions
Biomimetic synthesis of theaflavins from catechins was accomplished by using 2-nitrobenzenesulfonyl (Ns) as a protecting group for phenols to minimize undesired side reactions of the electron-rich aromatic rings. This enabled the construction of the complex benzotropolone core in a single-step oxidative coupling reaction. Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.