Anti-AIDS agents 68. The first total synthesis of a unique potent anti-HIV chalcone from genus Desmos

The first total synthesis of a unique highly functionalized and potent anti-HIV chalcone 1, isolated from genus Desmos, was achieved from commercially available 2,4,6-trihydroxytoluene (3) or 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde (2) in five (from 3) or six steps (from 2).