Agricultural and Biological Chemistry · 1964 · 33 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesBiochemistryChemistryGreen ChemistryPlant BiochemistrySpectroscopyColor AnalysisColor ChemistryFood PigmentsOxidation ReactionsPigment AnalysisRedox ProcessesAnthocyanin ChemistryAnthocyanin OxidationColor OxidationPlant Pigment ChemistryPlant PigmentsSpectral CompositionTea Oxidation
A study is made on the oxidation of a mixture containing epigallocatechin and epicatechin with tea oxidase as well as a oxidizing reagent, in order to understand the formation of red pigments in tea manufacture. As the reaction proceeds a remarkable colored substance is formed, which can be obtained in reddish orange needles (from water) and is supposed to be a troponoid compound having a 3′,4′-dihydroxybenzotropolone nucleus as suggested by a tentative structural formula III from a consideration of its spectral characteristics.