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Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids

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DOI: 10.5772/67810

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 Chapter 2

Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids

Weisheng Feng, Zhiyou Hao and Meng Li

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67810

Abstract
Flavonoids, which possess a basic C15 phenyl-benzopyrone skeleton, refer to a series of
compounds in which two benzene rings (ring A and B) are connected to each other
through three carbon atoms. Based on their core structure, flavonoids can be grouped
into different flavonoid classes, such as flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanonols,
anthocyanidins, isoflavones and chalcones. Flavonoids are often hydroxylated in posi-
tions 3, 5, 7, 30 , 40 and/or 50 . Frequently, one or more of these hydroxyl groups are
methylated, acetylated, prenylated or sulfated. In plants, flavonoids are often present
as O- or C-glycosides. The O-glycosides have sugar substituents bound to a hydroxyl
group of the aglycone, usually located at position 3 or 7, whereas the C-glycosides have
sugar groups bound to a carbon of the aglycone, usually 6-C or 8-C. The most common
carbohydrates are rhamnose, glucose, galactose and arabinose. This chapter mainly
introduces the methods of isolation and structure identification of flavonoids.

Keywords: flavonoids, structures and classification, extraction, isolation, structure

identification

1. Introduction

Flavonoids are important natural organic compounds of secondary metabolites that are pro-
duced during the long process of natural selection. They widely exist in the roots, stems,
leaves, flowers and fruits of higher plants and ferns [1], which are of numerous categories
and chemical structures. Because of the special chemical structures, flavonoids possess wide
range of physiological and biochemical effects to the cells of mammal and other kinds of
animals. Firstly, flavonoids possess strong chemical reactivity. For example, some flavonoids
have antioxidant activity via scavenging free radicals in organism [2]. Furthermore, flavonoids
possess various pharmacological activities of inhibiting the activity of enzymes, antitumor,

© 2017 The Author(s). Licensee InTech. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
18 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

antibiosis, antivirus, anti-inflammatory and so on [3–9]. The potential treatment and preven-
tion effects have been shown in degenerative diseases such as tumors, aging and cardiovascu-
lar diseases [10–15]. Additionally, some compounds of flavonoids possess potential application
prospects as weak hormones at treating menopausal syndrome of women [14–17].

2. Structures and classification

Flavonoids generally refer to the natural products of C6-C3-C6 basic structure. Most of them
are the chromone derivatives with the core structure of 2-phenylchromone and made up of
three rings of A/B/C as shown in Figure 1.

According to connection mode of ring A with B, the connection position of ring B, the oxida-
tion level of C3 substructure and degree of polymerization, various type of flavonoids could be
classified, as shown in Table 1.

The main factors of the structure diversity of flavonoids are as follows:

2.1. Change of ring system, degree of oxidation and number of core structure
Most of the flavonoids possess the core structure of C6-C3-C6; few of them are C6-C1-C6
(xanthone, for example). A few of them, such as homoisoflavones and rotenoids, possess
C6-C4-C6 structure skeleton. In most cases, C3 part is formed to be a hexatomic or pentagon
ring with C6 part. It could also be aliphatic chain, such as chalcone and dihydrochalcone.
Supposing that the double bond of ring C was hydrogenated, dihydro derivative was formed,
such as flavanone and flavononol. Commonly, ring B is connected to C-2; it might be connected
to C-3 or C-4 in a few cases, such as isoflavone and neoflavonoid. Most of the flavonoids have
only one core structure; some of them possess two, however. We called them biflavonoids.

2.2. Various substituents at ring A and B

Generally, hydroxyl, methoxyl, methyl, isopentenyl, methylenedioxyl, benzyl, nitro groups
and so on, could be substituted at ring A and/or B.

Figure 1. Basic structure of flavonoids.

 Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids 19
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Structure Basic structure Structure type Basic structure

type

Flavone Chalcone

Flavonol Dihydrochalcone

Flavanone Anthocyanidin

Flavanonol Flavan

Isoflavone Aurone
20 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

Structure Basic structure Structure type Basic structure

type

Isoflavanone Homoisoflavanone

Rotenoid Xanthone

Pterocarpin Neoflavonoid

Table 1. Main structure types of flavonoids.

2.3. Glycosidation

Flavonoids are often glycosided to be O-glycosides or C-glycosides. During the glycosidation

of flavonoids, almost every hydroxyl group could be the reaction position. However, the
glycosidation reaction mostly occurred at 7-OH of flavone, flavanone and isoflavone, 3- and/
or 7-OH of flavonol and flavanonol 3- and/or 5-OH of anthocyanidin. The glycosyl group of C-
glycosides is often connected to C-6 and/or C-8.

2.4. Formation of complexes

Complexes of flavonoids could be formed with other types of compounds, such as phenylpropanoids,
coumarins and alkaloids.

3. Extraction and isolation

3.1. Extraction
Traditional extraction methods of flavonoids often cause the problems of inefficiency, high
energy consumption, more solvent consumption and so on. The new extraction methods and
 Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids 21
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technologies occurred in recent years promoted the development of flavonoids. Because of

the numerous types of flavonoids, the single extraction methods generally cannot meet the
requirement. Traditional and modern methods should be applied together according to the
extraction purpose.

3.1.1. Traditional extraction methods

Ethanol and methanol are frequently used to extract flavonoids. The common extraction
methods include dipping, percolation, reflux, continuous reflux and so on. The alcohol of high
concentration (90–95%) is applied to extract free flavonoids, and the alcohol at the concentra-
tion of about 60% is applied to extract flavonoid glycosides. For example, reflux method was
applied to extract total flavonoids from leaves of Ginkgo biloba with 70% ethanol, and the
product yield was significantly higher than the water decoction method [18].

Hot water extraction method is applied to flavonoid glycosides. It possesses the advantages of
low cost, safety, simple equipment and could be applied in industrial production, but much
water-soluble impurities, such as proteins and saccharides might be mixed into the product.

Most of the flavonoids are acidic because of hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, so they could be
extracted with alkaline water or alkaline dilute alcohol. The commonly used solvents include
dilute sodium hydroxide, lime water, 5% sodium hydroxide dilute ethanol solution and so on.
Water-soluble impurities, such as tannins, pectins and mucilages, could be precipitated
because of the formation of calcium salts during the extraction with lime water. It has often
showed good results if 5% sodium hydroxide dilute ethanol solution was used. However, the
product yield might be reduced because some flavonoids obtained after acidification might be
dissolved in dilute ethanol solution. It should be noted that the concentration of alkali should
not be excessive during the extraction, and the acidity of the solvent should not be excessive
during acidification. Additionally, sodium borate should be used if adjacent phenolic hydroxyl
groups are existed in the structures. Extraction of rutin from Flos Sophorae Immaturus is one
example [19].

3.1.2. New extraction technologies

3.1.2.1. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)

The goal of selected extraction, isolation or purification might be achieved via controlling
temperature, pressure and regulating the type and consumption of cosolvent during the
supercritical fluid extraction. Cosolvent (e.g. ethanol) is usually added to induce product yield.
For example, the product yield of supercritical CO2 extraction of flavonoids from Licorice has
been raised 2.2 times than the ordinary alcohol extraction [20].

3.1.2.2. Ultrasonic extraction

This method has been used in the quality analysis and small amount extraction of flavonoids.
It’s still seldom used in industrial production, however. For instance, ultrasonic extraction was
used in the extraction of flavone from the bud of Sophora japonica, and the product yield was
higher than reflux extraction method [21]. Ultrasonic extraction is superior to reflux method
from the perspectives of energy saving, time saving and technology.
22 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

3.1.2.3. Microwave-assisted extraction

It has obtained good results in the extraction of flavonoids. However, it is confined to laboratories
so far. It also can be applied combined with other methods to induce product yield. For example,
refluxing extraction was used after treatment with microwave for a short time during the extrac-
tion of flavonoids from Ophiopogon japonicus. The product yield was induced significantly [22].

3.1.2.4. Enzyme method

The impurities, such as starches, pectins and proteins, could be removed after enzymolysis.
Long extraction time is the limitation of this method. However, the mild operational conditions
could overcome the shortcomings that some bioactive components may be decomposed under
high temperature.

3.1.2.5. Macroporous adsorption resin

It has been used in the separation and enrichment of flavonoids. Suitable types should be
chosen according to the nature of target constituents.

3.1.2.6. Ultrafiltration
The molecules of different molecular weight are separated depend on the pressure difference
between both sides of ultrafiltration membrane. Proteins, polypeptide, polymeric pigments
and starches could be removed largely. It possesses advantages of simple operations such as no
need to heat and destroy the molecular structures. It could remove 69.4% pectins and 66%
proteins during the preparation of soybean isoflavones [23].

3.1.2.7. Aqueous two phase extraction (ATPE)

Aqueous two phase system (ATPS) is formed when either two polymers and kosmotropic salt, or
two salts (one chaotropic salt and the other a kosmotropic salt) are mixed at appropriate concen-
trations and at a particular temperature. The distribution coefficients are different in specific
ATPS of different substances. The separation objective will be achieved via selective distribution
between the two phases after adding substances into the system. It possesses advantages of time-
saving, simple operation, mild condition, being easy to expand process, large treatment capacity
and so on. The commonly used ATPS are high polymer system (e.g. PEG-Dextran system), high
polymer-inorganic salt system and PEG-sulfate/phosphate system. The distribution characteris-
tics of puerarin in the two-phase aqueous systems of PEG/(NH4)2SO4 and acetone/K2HPO4 have
been studied [24], and the best system has been determined.

3.2. Isolation
3.2.1. General methods
The isolation of flavonoids includes the separation of flavonoids and other kinds of com-
pounds, and the obtaining of monomeric compounds. The choosing of isolation methods is
 Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids 23
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made primary according to polarity, acidity, molecular weight difference and special structure.
Chromatography is still the first choice to isolate flavonoids.

3.2.1.1. Silica gel chromatography

Silica gel chromatography is the main method to isolate or identify flavonoids. It is applied to
isolate low or medium polar constituents. Reversed phase silica gel (e.g. reversed phase C18
silica gel) is commonly used to isolate flavonoid glycosides.

3.2.1.2. Polyamide chromatography

Polyamide is a good adsorbent to isolate flavonoids. The adsorption strength hinges on hydro-
gen bonding associated between polyamide and flavonoids, which depends on the number
and positions of hydroxyl groups in the molecules of flavonoids.

3.2.1.3. Polydextran gel chromatography

The most commonly used polydextran gel is sephadex LH-20 during the isolation of flavo-
noids. Adsorption is the main mechanism during the isolation of free flavonoids, and the
adsorption strength is mainly based on the phenolic hydroxyl groups. However, molecular
sieve effect plays the leading roles during the isolation of flavonoid glycosides.

3.2.2. Application of new isolation technologies

3.2.2.1. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

This technology has been widely used in the isolation and quality analysis of flavonoids and
other kinds of natural products. The determination of chromatographic condition is the key to
achieve separation purpose.

3.2.2.1.1. Choice of stationary phases

Silica gel and amino columns are mostly used during the operation of normal phase chroma-
tography. In the reversed phase, HPLC (RP-HPLC), C18, C8, C2, amino or phenyl columns
could be applied, whereas C18 and C8 columns are mostly used among them.

3.2.2.1.2. Choice of mobile phases

Methanol-water and acetonitrile-water system are commonly applied in RP-HPLC. In order to
improve separation performance, minute quantity of acid (e.g. trifluoroacetic acid) could be
added into mobile phase.

3.2.2.1.3. Detection

All of the flavonoids are able to absorb ultraviolet rays, so generally they could be detected by
UV detectors. It is usually detected at 254–280 nm or 340–360 nm for flavones, flavonols and
the corresponding glycosides, 520–540 nm for anthocyanidins and the corresponding glyco-
sides, 250 nm for chromones.
24 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

3.2.2.2. High-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC)

High-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) has been applied successfully to the
isolation of flavonoids. The method is simple and quick to operate, and could get product with
high purity. Furthermore, it is suitable to industrial production. For example, an HSCCC
system has been employed to separate seven flavonoids from a methanolic extract of the leaves
of Oroxylum indicum by a one-step isocratic elution using a chloroform-methanol-water
(9.5:10.5) two-phase system [25].

3.2.2.3. Molecular imprinting technology (MIT)

Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) has been applied in recent years to isolation and active
screening of flavonoids. As the study [26] of Pakade et al., molecularly imprinted polymers
(MIPs) targeting quercetin were prepared from 4-Vinylpyridine and ethylene dimethacrylate
(EDMA) under various solvent systems with the aim to form MIPs with high recognition for
the quercetin molecule in aqueous systems at high temperature. The slopes for the effect of
extraction time revealed that the mass transfer of the analytes was higher at 84 C than at 25 C.
Also, the binding capacity for the most promising MIP and its corresponding NIP was higher
at 84 C. The binding capacity for the MIP was similar to 30 μmol/g at 25 C and 120 μmol/g at
84 C, while for the corresponding NIP, it was similar to 15 and 90 μmol/g, at 25 and 84 C,
respectively.

4. Structure identification of flavonoids

Generally, structure determination of flavonoids can be achieved easily because of the system-
atic research of their structures and the progress of spectroscopic technologies (Nuclear Mag-
netic Resonance spectroscopy, especially). Series of spectroscopic technologies, such as IR, UV,
NMR, and MS, are often used during structure identification of flavonoids. In rare cases, total
synthesis should be applied to verify the elucidated structures.

4.1. Ultraviolet spectrum (UV)

The positions, types and number of substituents in the conjugated systems could be speculated
via means of UV spectrum. Most of the flavonoids in methanol possess two main absorption
bands. Band I is at 300–400 nm, which is caused by electron transition of cinnamoyl group.
Band II is at 240–280 nm, which is caused by electron transition of benzoyl group, as shown
in Figure 2. The structure types and oxygen-bearing substituent types of flavonoids could
be determined by the peak locations, shapes and strengths of band I and II, as shown in
Table 2 [27].
The locations and shapes of Band I and II will be affected by the substituents attached to rings
A and B. Normally, red shift of band I increases accordingly when the number of hydroxyl
groups located at ring B increases. Similarly, red shift of band II increases accordingly when
the number of hydroxyl groups located at ring A increases, but it has trifling impact to band I,
with the exception of 5-OH. The corresponding bands will be violet shifted 5–15 nm if the
 Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids 25
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Figure 2. UV spectrum of flavonoids.

Structure type Band II (nm) Band I (nm)

Flavone 250–280 304–350

Flavonol (3-OH is substituted) 250–280 328–357
Flavonol (3-OH is free) 250–280 358–385
Isoflavone 245–270 310–330 (shoulder peak)
Flavanone and flavanonol 270–295 300–330 (shoulder peak)
Chalcone 220–270 (weak peak) 340–390
Aurone 230–270 (weak peak) 370–430
Anthocyanidin 270–280 465–560

Table 2. The spectral characteristics of UV-VIS spectrum of flavonoids.

particular hydroxyl is glycosided. Furthermore, the influence of the hydroxyl groups will
almost disappear if they are acetylated.

4.2. Infrared spectrum (IR)

It is used mainly to determine the types of functional groups, substitution modes of aromatic
rings and so on. The all functional groups, such as carbonyl, phenolic hydroxyl, phenyl and
glycosyl, have possessed corresponding IR absorptions. The absorption band of hydroxyl
groups are in the 3200–3650 cm 1 region, carbonyl groups are in 1660–1680 cm 1 region and
the vibrations of benzene rings are at about 1500, 1580 and 1600 cm 1.

4.3. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (NMR)

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (NMR) is the most powerful method to elucidate the
structures of flavonoids. Kinds of solvents, such as CDCl3, DMSO-d6, C5D5N, (CD3)2CO and
CD3OD, could be employed while performing NMR experiments. DMSO-d6 is the optional
solvent among them to perform NMR to flavonoids. Almost all kinds of flavonoids could be
26 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

well dissolved in DMSO-d6, and the resonance signals of flavonoids are rarely overlapped by
solvent peaks (about δ2.5). Furthermore, NMR signals of phenolic hydroxyl groups could be
displayed clearly with DMSO-d6 as the solvent. The drawback of this solvent is high boiling
point, which leads to difficulty in sample recovery.

4.3.1. 1H-NMR spectrum

It provides information of chemical shifts, coupling constants and proton number. The types of
flavonoids, substituted modes, number and configurations of glycosyls and so on, could be
determined via 1H-NMR spectrum.

4.3.1.1. Protons on ring C

1
H-NMR characteristics of protons on ring are shown in Table 3 [28].

4.3.1.2. Protons on ring A

The ordinary substitution modes are 5,7-dioxygenation, 7-oxygenation, 5,6,7-trioxygenation

and 5,7,8-trioxygenation, See Figure 3.

4.3.1.2.1. 5,7-Dihydroxyl substituted

5,7-Dihydroxyl flavonoids are most common. For this type of flavonoids, the signals of H-6
and H-8 are shown at δ5.7–6.9 as doublets, and the signal of H-6 is always at the higher field
than H-8. The signals of both H-6 and H-8 shift to lower field after glycosidation of 7-OH.

Type 2-H 3-H Note

Flavanone δ6.3– 6.8 (s) The signals maybe overlapped by H-6 or H-8.
Flavonol None signal.

Isoflavone δ7.6–7.8 (s) The signal is at rather low field because of influence of
oxygen atom at position 1 and carbonyl at position 4.
Chalcone α-H: δ6.7–7.4 (d, J ¼ 17 Hz) C-2 and C-3 form a trans double bond.
β-H: δ7.3–7.7 (d, J ¼ 17 Hz)
Flavanone δ5.0–5.5 (dd, J ¼ 11, 5 Hz) δ2.3– 2.8 (2H) H-2 is coupled by two protons of position 3.
(dd, J¼17, 11 Hz);
(dd, J ¼ 17, 5 Hz)
Flavanonol 4.8–5.0 (d, J ¼ 11 Hz) δ4.1–4.3 (d, J ¼ 11 Configurations of both C-2 and C-3 are R.
Hz)
Flavanone-3-O- δ5.0–5.6 δ4.3–4.6 After glycosidation of 3-OH, resonance signals of both
glycoside H-2 and H-3 shift to low field.
Aurone Exocyclic proton:
δ6.5–6.7 (s)

Table 3. Chemical shifts and coupling constants of ring C of common flavonoids.

 Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids 27
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Figure 3. Substitution modes of ring A.

4.3.1.2.2. 7-Hydoxyl substituted

Signal of H-5 is shown to be a doublet since vicinal coupling exists between H-5 and H-6.
Additionally, the chemical shift is at rather low field (about δ8.0) because of the shielding effect
of carbonyl at position 4. H-6 is affected by H-5 and H-8, so it has showed a double-doublet (dd,
J¼2.0, 8.0 Hz). H-8 is showed to be a doublet (J¼2.0Hz) because of the vicinal relationship with
H-6. Signals of both, H-6 and H-8 are at δ6.3–7.1. The chemical shifts of protons on ring A are
shown in Table 4 [28].

4.3.1.3. Protons on ring B

There are a varietyof substituted modesof ringB,suchas non-substitution,4’-oxygenation, 2’-oxygen-
ation, 3’,4’-dioxygenation, 2’,4’-oxygenation, 3’,4’,5’-trioxygenation and 2’,4’,5’-trioxygenation, as
shown in Figure 4. Generally, signals of protons on ring B are showed at slightly lower field, and the
chemical shifts are usual at δ6.7-8.1. The substitution modes and structural information could be
determined via the chemical shifts and coupling constants of ring B.

4.3.1.3.1. None substituent on ring B

For this mode, there are five protons on ring B. Signals of H-2’ and H-6’ are shown at lower
field than H-3’, H-4’ and H-5’ because of the shielding effect of ring C. Furthermore, the peak
shapes of all of the protons are complicated because of the coupling effects of the vicinal- and

Type H-5 H-6 H-8

5,7-Dihydroxyl Flavone, flavonol, isoflavone δ6.0–6.2 d δ6.3–6.5 d

7-O-Glucosides of above compounds δ6.2–6.4 d δ6.5–6.9 d
Flavanone, flavanonol δ5.75–5.95 d δ5.9–6.1 d
7-O-Glucosides of above compounds δ5.9–6.1 d δ6.1–6.4 d
7-Hydroxyl flavonoids Flavone, flavonol, isoflavone δ7.9–8.2 d δ6.7–7.1 d δ6.7–7.0 d
Flavanone, flavanonol δ7.7–7.9 d 5.7–6.0 d δ5.9–6.1 d
5,6,7-Trihydroxyl flavonoids δ6.95 s
5,7,8-Trihydroxyl flavonoids δ6.3 s

Table 4. Chemical shifts of protons on ring A.

28 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

Figure 4. Substitution modes of ring B.

meta-coupling. The signals of H-2’ and H-6’ are usually at δ7.1–7.6 and of H-30 , H-40 and H-50
are at δ7.9–8.2.

4.3.1.3.2. 40 -Oxygenation
In this circumstance, ring B is a symmetrical substructure. One AA’BB’ coupling system is
formed by four aromatic protons. The spectral characteristics are show in Table 5 [28].

4.3.1.3.3. 30 ,40 -Dioxygenation

In this circumstance, one ABX coupling system is formed by three aromatic protons, and three
groups of signals are displayed as H-20 (1H, d, J ≈ 2.0Hz), H-50 (1H, d, J ≈ 8.0Hz) and H-60 (1H,
dd, J ≈ 2.0, 8.0Hz). The chemical shifts of protons on ring B are shown in Table 6 [28].

Type H-20 , H-60 H-30 , H-50

Flavanone δ7.1–7.3
Flavanonol δ7.2–7.4
Isoflavone δ7.2–7.5
Chalcone δ7.4–7.6 δ6.5–7.1
Aurone δ7.6–7.8
Flavone δ7.7–7.9
Flavonol δ7.9–8.1

Table 5. Chemical shifts of protons on ring B of 40 -oxygenated flavonoids.

 Isolation and Structure Identification of Flavonoids 29
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Type Substituent mode H-20 H-50 H-60

Flavone 30 ,40 -OH and 30 -OH, 40 -OCH3 δ7.2–7.3 δ6.7–7.1 δ7.3–7.5

Flavonol 30 ,40 -OH and 30 -OH, 40 -OCH3 δ7.5–7.7 δ7.6–7.9
0 0
3 -OCH3, 4 -OH δ7.6–7.8 δ7.4–7.6
30 ,40 -OH, 3-O-glc δ7.2–7.5 δ7.3–7.7
0 0
Isoflavone, flavanone, flavanonol 3 ,4 -OH δ6.7–7.1 δ6.7–7.1

Table 6. Chemical shifts of protons on ring B of 30 ,40 -dioxygenated flavonoids.

4.3.1.3.4. 20 -Oxygenation
ABCD coupling system is formed by the rest protons of ring B. The peak shapes are rather
complicated. Signals of H-3’ and H-5’ are usually displayed at δ6.8–6.9, H-4’ at about δ7.2 and
H-6’ at δ7.4–7.5.

4.3.1.3.5. 30 ,40 ,50 -Trioxygenation

If identical substituents are attached to C-3’ and C-5’, which allows the formation of a sym-
metrical substructure of ring B, H-2’ and H-6’ will display to be a singlet at δ6.5–7.5.

4.3.1.3.6. 20 ,40 ,50 -Trioxygenation

In the cases of this substituent mode, either of the two protons on ring B displays to be a
singlet. Generally, signals of H-6’ in flavones and flavonols are showed at δ7.2–7.5, H-3’ at
δ6.4–6.6. Signals of H-6’ are shown at slight higher field.

4.3.1.3.7. 20 ,40 -Dioxygenation

In the cases of this mode, H-30 will be showed at δ6.00–6.6 (d, J ≈ 2.0 Hz), H-50 at δ 6.6–6.5 (dd, J
≈ 2.0, 8.0 Hz) and H-60 at δ7.0–7.4 (d, J ≈ 8.0 Hz). See Table 7.

4.3.1.4. Common substituents

The proton chemical shifts of common substituents of flavonoids are shown in Table 8 [28].

4.3.2. 13C-NMR spectrum

Strong regularities are also shown in 13C-NMR spectra of flavonoids. The types of flavonoids,
number and connection positions of glycosyls could be elucidated from 13C-NMR spectra.

4.3.2.1. Identification of skeleton structures of flavonoids

The core structures are difficult to be elucidated by resonance signals of aromatic protons.
However, the characteristic signals of carbons in ring C allowed the identification of different
types of flavonoids, see Table 9.
30 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

Substituent mode H-20 H-30 H-40 H-50 H-60

None substituent on ring B δ7.1–7.6 (m) δ7.9–8.2 (m) δ7.9–8.2 (m) δ7.9–8.2 (m) 7.1-7.6 (m)
20 -Oxygenated δ6.8–6.9 (m or dd) δ7.2 (m or dd) δ6.8–6.9 (m or dd) 7.4–7.5 (m or dd)
0
4 -Oxygenated δ7.1–8.1 (2H, d, δ6.5–7.1 (2H, d, δ6.5–7.1 (2H, d, 7.1–8.1 (2H, d,
J≈8.0Hz) J≈8.0Hz) J≈8.0Hz) J≈8.0Hz)
20 ,40 -Dioxygenation δ6.00–6.6(d, δ6.30–6.50 (1H, 7.0–7.4(d, J≈8.0Hz)
J≈2.0Hz) dd, J≈8.0,2.0Hz)
30 ,40 -Dioxygenation δ7.2–7.8(1H, d, δ6.7–7.1(1H, d, 6.7–7.9(1H, dd,
J≈2.0Hz) J≈8.0Hz) J≈2.0, 8.0Hz)
30 ,40 ,50 -Trioxygenation δ6.5–7.5 (2H, s, H-20 ,60 ) as identical oxygen-bearing substituents are connected to position
30 ,40 and 50 .
20 ,40 ,50 -Trioxygenation δ6.4–6.6(s) δ7.2–7.5(s)

Table 7. Chemical shifts of protons on ring B of various substituent modes [28].

Proton type Chemical shift

Phenolic hydroxyl 5-OH (δ12.0–14.0),7-OH (δ10.8–11.0), 40 -OH (δ9.8–10.6), 30 -OH (δ9.2–10.4)

Methyl C-6,8 (δ2.0–2.5); rha-CH3 [δ9.2–10.4 (d, J≈6.5Hz)]
CH3CO [glc: δ1.65–2.10 (3H,s); aromatic -CH3:δ2.3–2.5 (3H,s)
Methoxyl δ3.5–4.1 (3H,s)
O-CH2-O δ6.0
Isopentenyl δCH2 (3–3.4); CH (5.2);CH3 (δ1.7–1.8)
Terminal protons of glycosyl δ4.5–5.5

Table 8. Chemical shifts of the protons on common substituents.

4.3.2.2. Determination of substituent modes of flavonoids

The substituent modes of core structures of flavonoids could be determined by the signals of
aromatic carbons. The chemical shifts of carbons in ring A and B, if they are not substituent, are
shown in Table 10 [28].

4.3.2.2.1. Signal characteristics of ring A

Usually, the substituents, such as hydroxyl, methoxyl and isopentenyl groups, are attached at
position 5 or/and 7 of ring A, which leads to the changes of chemical shifts of other carbons in
ring A. It is shown in Table 11 [28].

4.3.2.2.2. Signal characteristics of carbons on ring B

The signal characteristics of carbons on ring B are shown in Table 12 [28].
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Type C-2 C-3 C-4

Flavone δ160.0–165.5 δ104.0–112.0 δ175.0–184.0

Flavonol (3-OH is free) δ145.0–149.5 δ135.6–139.0 δ172.0–178.0
Flavonol (3-OH is free) δ155.7–157.0 δ133.2–134.3 δ172.0–178.0
Isoflavone δ149.8–156.5 δ120.3–126.0 δ174.5–182.0
Flavanone δ75.0–80.5 δ42.0–44.6 δ189.5–197.2
Flavanonol δ82.7–83.5 δ71.2–73.0 δ188.0–197.0
Chalcone δ136.9–145.4 δ116.8–128.1 δ188.0–194.6
Dihydrochalcone δ39.2–45.5 δ28.5–31.2 δ199.6–205.5
Aurone δ146.1–147.7 δ111.0–113.3 δ180.5–182.7
Flavan-3-ol δ77.5–82.7 δ65.1–68.2 δ27.5–28.6
Flavan-3,4-diols δ80.0–82.5 δ72.5–74.4 δ69.8–72.0

Table 9. Chemical shifts of carbons in ring C of flavonoids [28].

Ring A Chemical shift Ring B Chemical shift

C-5 δ124–126 C-20 ,60 δ126.0–130.0

C-6 δ124–126 C-30 ,50 δ128–129
0
C-7 δ133–135 C-4 δ128.5–132
C-8 δ116.5–119 C-10 (flavone, flavonol, isoflavone) δ130–133
0
C-9 δ154–156 C-1 (flavanone, flavonol) δ138–139
C-10 δ121–124

Table 10. Chemical shifts of carbons in ring A and B if they are not substituent.

Substituent mode Type C-5 C-6 C-7 C-8 C-9 C-10

5-Oxygenated ≈δ160 δ109–111 δ135–137 δ107–108 δ157–160 δ111

7-Oxygenated Flavone, flavonol δ126 δ114 δ162–164 δ100–102 δ157 δ114–116
Flavanone, flavanonol δ128 δ109.5–110 δ165–166 δ100 δ162–164 δ114–116
Isoflavone δ127 δ115 δ161–163 δ102–104 δ156–158 δ117–119
5,7-Dioxygenation Flavone, flavonol, isoflavone δ160–162 δ97–100 δ162–165 δ93–95 δ155–158 δ103–109
Flavanone, flavanonol δ162–163 δ93–97 δ165–167 δ93–97 δ161–163 δ100–104

Table 11. Chemical shifts of carbons in ring A of flavonoids.

4.3.2.2.3. Signal characteristics of common substituents

The carbon chemical shifts of common substituents are shown in Table 13 [28].
32 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

Substituent mode Type C-10 C-20 C-30 C-40 C-50 C-60

4’-Oxygenated Flavone, flavonol, isoflavone δ121–123 δ130 δ115 δ157–161 δ115 δ130
Flavanone, flavanonol δ128–130
0 0
3 -OH,4 -OCH3 Flavone, flavonol, isoflavone δ121–125 δ113–114 δ145–147 δ149–151 δ112–116 δ118–122
(or 30 ,40 -dihydroxyl)
30 -OCH3,40 -OH δ121–125 δ110–111 δ150–152 δ148 δ115–117 δ118–122
0 0
3 -OH,4 -OCH3 Flavanone, flavanonol δ128–129 δ111–115 δ144–147 δ146–148 δ112–116 δ118–120
(or 30 ,40 -dihydroxyl)
30 -OCH3,40 -OH δ131–132 δ111–115 δ147–149 δ146–147 δ112–116 δ118–120
2’,4’-Dioxygenation Flavonoids δ108–113 δ156–158 δ102–104 δ157–162 δ104–108 δ131–132
0 0 0
3 ,4 ,5 - δ120–126 δ106–109 δ146–153 δ93–97 δ136–142 δ106–109
Trioxygenation

Table 12. Chemicals shifts of carbons on ring B of flavonoids.

4.3.3. Glycosides of flavonoids

In plants, flavonoids are often present as O- or C-glycosides. The O-glycosides have sugar
substituents bound to a hydroxyl group of the aglycone, usually located at position 3 or 7,
whereas the C-glycosides have sugar groups bound to a carbon of the aglycone, usually 6-C or
8-C. The most common carbohydrates are rhamnose, glucose, galactose and arabinose.

Generally, the chemical shifts of terminal protons of glycosyls are at δ4.5–5.5 in 1H-NMR. The
terminal carbons of O-glycosides are at δ95–105 and at δ71–78 for C-glycosides. Furthermore,
the number of glycosyls could be determined by combined analysis of 1H and 13C-NMR
spectra. It is an effective method to determine the connection positions of glycosyls by glyco-
sylation shifts, as shown in Table 14 [28].
The configurations of glycosyls should be determined. The relative configurations of some
glycosyl groups could be determined sometimes by coupling constants of terminal protons in
1
H-NMR spectra. The absolute configurations, however, should be determined by chemical
methods and gas chromatography.

Substituent Chemical shift

CH3 6-CH3(δ6–10);8-CH3(δ20–30);COCH3(δ17–22)
OCH3 δ55–57
Isopentenyl [-CH2CH¼CHCH3] CH2(δ21–22); CH(δ122–124; CH(δ129–131); CH3(δ17–27)
O-CH2-O δ100–101
Terminal carbon of glycosyls O-glycosides δ95–105
C-glycosides δ71–80

Table 13. Chemical shifts of carbons of common substituents on flavonoids.

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Glycosylation 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 20 30 40 50 60
position

7-O-glu þ0.8 1.4 þ1.1 þ1.7

7-O-rha þ0.8 2.4 þ1.0 þ1.7
3-O-glu þ9.2 2.1 þ1.5 þ0.4 þ1.0 0.8 þ1.1 0.3 þ0.7 þ1.5
3-O-rha þ10.3 1.1 þ2.0 þ0.6 þ1.1
5-O-glu 2.8 þ2.2 6.0 2.7 þ4.4 3.0 þ3.2 þ1.4 þ4.3 1.3 1.2 0.4 0.8 1.0 1.2
30 -O-glu 0.5 þ0.4 þ1.6 þ1.4 þ0.4 þ3.2
40 -O-glu þ0.1 þ1.0 þ3.7 þ0.4 þ2.0 1.2 þ1.4

13
Table 14. Glycosylation shifts (average values) of flavonoids in C-NMR spectrum.

As for the spectral method, the types and configurations could be speculated by the chemical
shifts of glycosyl carbons in 13C-NMR spectra, as shown in Table 15 [28].

4.4. Mass spectral characteristics of flavonoids

ESI-MS and FAB-MS are widely applied in the studies of flavonoids. While the positive ion
mode is employed, quasi-molecular ion peaks such as [MþH]þ, [MþNa]þ, [MþK]þ and
[MþNH4]þ will be displayed. [2MþH]þ, [2MþNa]þ and so on will also be shown if the sample
is concentrated. The MS fragmentation pathways of flavone and flavanone are shown in
Figures 5 and 6.

4.5. Determination of absolute configuration

The absolute configuration should be determined if chiral atoms are existed in the structures.
The main methods to elucidate absolute configuration include circular dichroism (CD), optical
rotatory dispersion (ORD) and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Circular dichroism and ORD
are mainly introduced here.

Type of glycosyl C-10 0 C-20 0 C-30 0 C-40 0 C-50 0 C-60 0

β-D-glu δ104.0 δ74.1 δ76.8 δ70.6 δ76.8 δ61.8

α-D-glu δ100.0 δ72.2 δ74.1 δ70.6 δ72.5 δ61.6
β-D-gal δ104.5 δ71.7 δ73.8 δ69.7 δ76.0 δ62.0
α- D- gal δ100.1 δ69.2 δ70.5 δ70.2 δ71.6 δ62.2
β-D-man δ102.3 δ71.7 δ74.5 δ68.4 δ77.6 δ62.6
α-D-man δ102.2 δ71.4 δ72.1 δ68.3 δ73.9 δ62.5
β-D-rha δ102.4 δ71.8 δ74.1 δ73.4 δ73.4 δ17.9
α-D-rha δ102.1 δ71.2 δ71.5 δ73.3 δ69.5 δ17.9

Table 15. Carbon chemical shifts of common glycosyls.

34 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

Figure 5. MS fragmentation pathway of flavone.

4.5.1. Optical rotatory dispersion (ORD)

For the flavonoids possess chiral centers, their optical activities (589.0 nm, Na-D light source)
are correlative with spatial configurations, as shown in Table 16 [27].

4.5.2. Circular dichroism (CD)

It is the most used method to elucidate the absolute configurations of flavonoids via cotton
effect (CE) of CD spectra.

4.5.2.1. Flavanone

Most of the protons of flavanones at position 2 are axial (J ≈ 11.0Hz). The characteristics of CE
are shown in Table 17.

As reported in literature [29], the absolute configurations of the enantiomeric flavanone

pair (2S)-6-formyl-5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (1a) and (2R)-6-formyl-5,7-dihydroxyflavanone
(1b) were assessed via their chiroptical data. The ECD curves of compound (1a) showed
sequential positive and negative cotton effects near 310 and 280 nm for the n!π* and π!π*
electronic transitions, respectively. These cotton effects are reminiscent of flavanones exhibiting
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Figure 6. MS fragmentation pathway of flavanone.

Type Optical activity Spatial structure

Flavan – 2S
Flavanonol (trans-form) þ 2R,3R
Epicatechin (cis-form) - 2R,3R
Epicatechin (cis-form) þ 2S,3S
Catechin (trans-form) þ 2R,3S
Pterocarpin (cis-form) – 6aR, 11aR
6a-Hydroxyl pterocarpin (cis-form) – 6aS, 11aS
6a-Hydroxyl pterocarpin (trans-form) þ 6aR, 11aR

Table 16. Optical activities of flavonoids.

CE Absolute configuration of C-2

270–290 nm 320–330 nm

þ S
þ R

Table 17. Relationship between CE and absolute configurations of flavanones.

36 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

P-helicity of the conformational flexible heterocycle with a C-2 equatorial B ring and, hence,
(2S) absolute configuration. The mirror image related to ECD spectrum of 1b accordingly
confirmed its (2R) absolute configuration. It is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. ECD spectra for compounds 1a and 1b.

4.5.2.2. Flavanonol
Four possible structures are existed in nature because of the existence of two chiral centers (C-2
and C-3), while 2R, 3R configurations are commonest. The relative configuration could be
determined by coupling constant between H-2 and H-3 and then CD spectrum is employed
to elucidate the absolute configuration, as shown in Table 18 [30].

4.5.2.3. 3-Hydroxyl flavans

Similarly, C-2 and C-3 are also the chiral centers of 3-hydroxyl flavans. The characteristics are
shown in Table 19 [31].

4.5.2.4. 4-Hydroxyl flavans

The relative configuration could be determined by coupling constant of H-2 and H-4 combined
with NOE spectra and then CD spectrum could be employed to elucidate the absolute config-
uration, as shown in Table 20 [32].

Relative configuration Cotton effect (300–340) Absolute configuration

trans- þ 2R, 3R
2S, 3S
cis- þ 2R, 3S
2S, 3R

Table 18. Relationship between absolute configurations of flavanonol with CE.

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Relative configuration CE Absolute configuration

240 nm 280 nm

Trans- þ 2R, 3S
þ 2R, 3R
Cis- þ 2S, 3R
þ þ 2S, 3S

Table 19. Relationship between absolute configurations of 3-hydroxyl flavans with CE.

Relative configuration CE Absolute configuration

240 nm 280 nm

Trans- 2S, 4S
þ þ 2S, 4R
Cis- 2S, 4S

þ þ 2R, 4R

Table 20. Relationship between absolute configurations of 4-hydroxyl flavans with CE.

Relative configuration between Relative configuration between Cotton effect Absolute configuration
C-2 and C-3 C-3 and C-4 (280 nm)

Cis- Cis- þ 2S,3S,4S

Trans- þ 2S,3S,4R

Trans- Cis- þ 2S,3R,4R

trans- þ 2S,3R,4S
Cis- Cis- 2R,3R,4R
Trans- 2R,3R,4S
Trans- Cis- 2R,3S,4S
Trans- 2R,3S,4R

Table 21. Relationship of absolute configurations of 3,4-dihydroxyl flavans with CE.

4.5.2.5. 3,4-Dihydroxyl flavans

More absolute configurations are existed because of three chiral centers, as shown in Table 21
[33].

4.5.2.6. Flavans
The cotton effects of flavans are show in Table 22 [34].
38 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

4.5.2.7. Isoflavans
The CE characteristics are shown in Table 23.

Cotton effect (280 nm) Absolute configuration

þ 2R
2S

Table 22. Cotton effects of flavans.

CE Absolute configuration

260–320 nm 220–260 nm

þ 3R
þ 3S

Table 23. Cotton effects of isoflavans.

Figure 8. Synthetic isoflavans (31a/b–36a/b).

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Versteeg et al. [35] synthesized six isoflavans and their enantiomers (31a/b-36a/b), and used
authentic 3S- and 3R-vestitol (30a and 30b) derivatives to establish the absolute configura-
tion at C3 of the synthetic isoflavans (Figure 8). (3S)-Isoflavans with oxygenation at both the
A- and B-rings (34a, 35a and 36a) display positive and negative CEs in the 240 (1La) and 270–
280 nm (1Lb) regions, respectively, and conversely for the 3R-enantiomers (34b, 35b and 36b)
(Figure 9).

Figure 9. CD spectra of isoflavans with oxygenation at both the A and B rings.

Relative configuration of between C-6a and C-11a CE Absolute configuration

260–310 nm 220–250 nm

Trans- þ 6aS, 11aR

6aR, 11aS
Cis- þ 6aR, 11aR
þ 6aS, 11aS

Table 24. Relationship of absolute configurations of pterocarpins with CE.

40 Flavonoids - From Biosynthesis to Human Health

4.5.2.8. Pterocarpins
The spectral characteristics are shown in Table 24 [36].

The relationships between the CE and absolute configurations will change after a hydroxyl
group is attached to position 6a, as shown in Table 25 [37].

Relative configuration of between C-6a and C-11a CE Absolute configuration

260–310 nm 220–250 nm

Trans- 6aS, 11aR

þ þ 6aR, 11aS
Cis- þ 6aS, 11aS
þ 6aR, 11aR

Table 25. Relationship of absolute configurations of 6a-hydroxyl pterocarpins with CE.

Author details

Weisheng Feng*, Zhiyou Hao and Meng Li

*Address all correspondence to: [email protected]

School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China

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