Concise synthesis of dideoxy-epigallocatechin gallate (DO-EGCG) and evaluation of its anti-influenza virus activity

Dideoxy-epigallocatechin gallate (DO-EGCG) (2), a simplified analog of naturally occurring EGCG (1), was efficiently prepared by directly introducing a ketone group at C3 and successive reduction to the sec-alcohol with 2,3-cis stereochemistry. Compound 2 showed potent anti-influenza virus activity, indicating that the hydroxyl substituents on the A-ring are not crucial for anti-influenza virus activity.