Oxidative stress can promote neurodegeneration and contribute to diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Members of the class of naturally occurring antioxidants, known as anthocyanins, have shown potential as neuroprotective agents, but are rapidly metabolized by de-glycosylation. Moreover, the aglycones are known to have poor distribution into the CNS. We envision that replacing the labile O-glycosyl linkage with a difluoromethylene group will prevent cleavage, while retaining the antioxidative properties of the parent compound. We have already synthesized a key CF<sub>2</sub>-glycoside and studies to append this group to the core polyphenolic structure of the anthocyanins are underway. Synthesis of fluorinated derivatives of flavone, flavenes, and polyphenols will also be presented.

Progress toward the synthesis of difluorinated anthocyanins

251st National Meeting (2016)

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