Abstract
The ring-fission metabolites of epicatechin, 5-(3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one M6 and 3-methylated M6, were prepared from 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and furan-2(5H)-one using two new concise methods in excellent yields (three or two steps in 40–60% overall yield).