A Method for the Synthesis of the Isorhapontigenin and the Stilbene Compounds in Similar Structures

A method for the synthesis of the isorhapontigenin and the stilbene compounds in similar structures was developed. Using 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as starting material, benzyl protecting the phenolic hydroxyl, via the Wittig-Horner reaction to construct the trans stilbene structure, and then debenzylation under the palladium on carbon/ammonium formate system condition, the isorhapontigenin could be obtained in the yield of up to 48%. The catalytic system was successfully applied in the synthesis of a series of hydroxyl stilbene compounds, which could achieve good results. All the reactions worked under mild conditions and obtained in good yield. Furthermore the materials were of cheap and less toxicity. It provided us a simple way to synthesize hydroxyl stilbene compounds in large scale.