Boron trifluoride–etherate mediated synthesis of 3-desoxyanthocyanidins including a total synthesis of tricetanidin from black tea

The synthesis of a series of 3-desoxyanthocyanidins via a BF3·Et2O-mediated aldol condensation between a substituted acetophenone and salicylaldehyde derivatives is described. Using this new synthetic methodology the synthesis of tricetanidin, a natural pigment isolated from black tea, was accomplished.