Efficient Semi-Synthesis of Natural δ-(R)-Tocotrienols from a Renewable Vegetal Source

Recent studies have highlighted the biological potential of tocotrienols, a vitamin E subfamily. The major natural sources of tocotrienols are complex mixtures requiring particularly challenging purification processes. The present study describes efficient semi-synthetic strategies toward relevant δ-(R)-tocotrienol derivatives, using as a starting material δ-(R)-garcinoic acid, the major vitamin E derivative isolated from Garcinia kola nuts, a renewable vegetal source.