30. 3′-(β-D-GlycopyranosyIoxy)flavylium Ions: Synthesis and Investigation of Their Properties in Aqueous Solution. Hydrogen Bonding as a Mean of Colour Variation

This work describes a straightforward synthesis of two 3′-(β-D-glycopyranosyloxy)flavylium ions thought to be good models of natural anthocyanins (pigments). For both pigments and for the non-glycosylated flavylium ion taken as a reference, H₂O addition and proton-transfer reactions as well as formation of molecular complexes with chlorogenic acid and caffeine (copigmentation) are quantitatively investigated in mildly acidic aqueous solution. A remarkable affinity of caffeine for the fram-chalcone form of the pigments is demonstrated, Moreover, the differences in the flavylium pK_a values are interpreted in terms of possible intramolecular H-bonding between the glycosyl residue and the chromophore. The discussion is then extended to a series of malonylated anthocyanins recently reported for their unusual pigmentation properties. A possible role for the malonyl group (frequently encountered in the structure of naturally occurring anthocyanins) in plant colour expression is outlined for the first time.