Synthesis of proanthocyanidins. Part 1. The first oxidative formation of the interflavanyl bond in procyanidins.

A novel and efficient method for the oxidative condensation of tetra-O-methyl-3-oxocatechin 4 with tetra-O-methylcatechin is described. Treatment of a solution of 3 (2 equiv) and 4 (1 equiv) with silver tetrafluoroborate readily affords the phenolic per-O-methyl ethers of 3-oxocatechin(4-8)-catechin 18 and 19. Subsequent metal hydride reduction provides access to procyanidin B-3 analogues with the 3,4-cis diastereomers predominating.