Synthesis of C-Glucoside Analogues of Naturally Occurring Phenyl­ethanoid O-Glucosides

Structural modifications of natural products has been a highly effective approach in the search for new leads with improved biological activity, aqueous solubility, and stability. Phenylethanoid glycosides (PEGs), as natural compounds, have attracted great attention due to their promising biological activities. These activities include neuroprotection, antioxidant, immunoregulation, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, as well as antitumor, antiviral, and hepatoprotective abilities. Three potent PEGs, acteoside, echinacoside, and salidroside, are gaining renewed interest in this class of compounds. However, being O-glycosides, PEGs have low bioavailability due to factors such as poor intestinal permeability and low hydrolytic stability. The promising pharmacological properties and the limitations have inspired us to synthesize C-analogues that are expected to be hydrolytically stable.