Abstract:
Improved processes for the preparation of tetra-O-benzyl protected catechin, for the coupling of the tetra-O-benzyl protected catechin or epicatechin with a C-4 activated, tetra-O-benzyl protected epicatechin for the galloylation of the epicatechin-(4β,8)-catechin or -epicatechin dimer-the dimer digallates, and for the deprotection (i.e., debenzylation) of the protected epicatechin dimers and protected epicatechin dimer digallates are disclosed.