Buffer-induced, selective mono-C-alkylation of phloroglucinol: application to the synthesis of an advanced intermediate of catechin

A straightforward mono-selective and C-specific alkylation of phloroglucinol with activated alkyl halides is presented. The use of water as solvent limits the amount of over-alkylated by-products. Provided some minor changes in the experimental conditions, hydrophobic cinnamyl halides can also be reacted, thus giving a direct access to advanced intermediates of natural flavonoids.