Total Synthesis of the Flavonoid Natural Product Houttuynoid A

The first total synthesis of the antiviral flavonoid houttuynoid A (1) has been achieved from aryl ketone 6 and benzofuran aldehyde 5 in nine linear steps. The C6–C3–C6 structure of the flavonoid was synthesized by an I2-catalyzed oxa-Michael addition of a chalcone intermediate, generated by the Claisen–Schmidt condensation of 5 and 6. This work provides a method for the synthesis of houttuynoids and provides a reference for the synthesis of the remaining members of the houttuynoid family.