Synthesis of biologically active polyphenolic glycosides (combretastatin and resveratrol series).

(E)-3-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-4',5-dihydroxystilbene (resveratrol 3-beta-D-glucoside, piceid), (Z)-2',3'-dihydroxy-3,4,4',5-tetramethoxystilbene (combretastatin A-1), (Z)-3'-hydroxy-3,4,4',5-tetramethoxystilbene (combretastatin A-4), (Z)-2'-hydroxy-3-4-4'-5-tetramethoxystilbene (combretastatin iso-A-4), alpha, beta-dihydro-2',3'-dihydro-2',3'-dihydroxy-3,4,4',5-tetramethoxystilb ene (combretastatin B-1), the corresponding glucosides, and related compounds have been synthesized via Wittig reactions followed by glucosylation under phase-transfer catalysis. Most of the compounds synthesized have been tested with respect to biological activity (cytostatic, cytotoxic, antimitotic, neurotoxic, antiplatelet, aggregation activity).