Streamlined Synthesis of Ellagitannins: Site-Selective Functionalization of the Glucose Core and Stereodivergent Construction of the Hexahydroxydiphenoic Groups

Ellagitannins are a class of plant polyphenols with a structural diversity of around 1000. Because those with attractive biological activities have been reported, synthetic studies have been performed. The purpose of this perspective is to provide an outlook toward future developments on ellagitannin chemistry and medicinal applications by overviewing synthetic studies. In particular, we summarize recent synthetic efforts of ellagitannins via functionalization of the glucose core and stereodivergent construction of the characteristic hydroxydiphenoic groups. The development of chemical probes utilizing natural ellagitannins is also introduced.