UV-Visible Spectral Investigation of Gardenin-A Using Shift Reagents

Abstract

A flavonoid, gardenin-A isolated from the gum resin of the plant Gardenia gummifera Linn, by thin layer chromatographic method is analyzed using UV-Visible spectral measurements. While chromatographic mobility and appearance give initial clues, the identification of the flavonoid is confirmed by the use of UV-Visible spectra, which is informative of their class and possible number of hydroxyl groups in the molecule. Addition of certain specific reagents to an alcoholic solution of Gardenin-A induced significant shifts in its UV spectrum. As a result, it has been possible to gain structural information from these spectra, which are considerably enhanced by the use of reagents that react with one or more functional groups on the flavonoid nucleus, Gardenin-A.