Semisynthesis of Polymethoxyflavonoids from Naringin and Hesperidin

Polymethoxyflavonoids (PMFs) possess important biological activities, notably as anticancer agents. Semisynthesis of a series of PMFs were performed by glycoside hydrolysis, dehydrogenation, bromination, aromatic nucleophilic substitution, O-methylation, dimethyldioxirane oxidation and regioselective demethylation, starting from abundant and inexpensive natural sources naringin and hesperidin. A new synthetic method for selective methylation using CuBr catalysed and microwave-assisted reaction was developed, and the dimethyl dioxirane oxidation of flavones to flavonols was much improved. The new semisynthetic route has the advantages of easy availability of starting materials, simple operation and good yields.