Convenient Synthesis of Ellagic Acid from Methyl Gallate and SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro Antiviral Activity

A practical synthesis of ellagic acid has been achieved from methyl gallate by a proposed synthetic route of five steps, consisting of ketal protection, regioselective bromination, bis-lactonization, C-C bond formation between the aromatic rings of the galloyl groups, and ketal deprotection, in 38% overall yield. Ellagic acid showed a slight inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.

Automated summary

Researchers have successfully synthesized ellagic acid from methyl gallate through a five-step synthetic route with a 38% overall yield. The synthesis involves ketal protection, regioselective bromination, bis-lactonization, C-C bond formation between the aromatic rings of the galloyl groups, and ketal deprotection. Ellagic acid exhibits slight inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro.