A selective Oxone-induced oxidation of oleocanthal and oleacein, the two main secoiridoids of olive oil, to their bis-oxidized products is described. This protocol is based on a Baeyer-Villiger mechanism and the concentration of Oxone in the final solution. The bis-oxidation of the aldehydic compounds could be extended for the synthesis of various semisynthetic analogs. The obtained acids exhibit strong antioxidant activity, being efficient free radical scavengers.
Key words
Oleocanthal - oleacein - oleocanthanonic acid - oleaceinonic acid -
Olea europaea
- Oleaceae - Baeyer-Villiger oxidation - antioxidant activity