First synthesis of saponarin, 6-C- and 7-O-di-β-D-glucosylapigenin.

Saponarin, apigenin 6-C- and 7-O-bis-β-D-glucoside, was synthesized in an overall yield of 37% via 11 steps, which included the C-glycosylation of 2,4-O-dibenzylphloroacetophenone, the introduction of a cinnamoyl residue by aldol condensation, the formation of a flavone by regioselective deprotection, and oxidative ring-closure to the final regioselective deprotection and stereoselective O-glycosylation.