Total synthesis of (+)-pentamethylsalvianolic acid C

The total synthesis of a methylated analogue of (+)-Salvianolic acid C has been achieved. Key aspects of the synthetic route include an economical Cu(I) acetylide coupling, unique carboxyl activation conditions via microwave irradiation and a novel lipase catalysed kinetic resolution of a racemic mixture of secondary alcohol Danshensu. The preparation of this methylated analogue will not only improve the bioavailability, but also enable access to new and wider bioactivity applications for (+)-Salvianolic acid C.