GAS-LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHIC AND MASS-SPECTROMETRIC IDENTIFICATION OF ANTHOCYANIDINS

A method was described for the identification of anthocyanidins by GLC and mass spectrometry. Anthocyanidins, when treated with trimethylchlorosilane and hexamethyldisilazane, yielded volatile compounds whose nature was discussed on the basis of their high-resolution mass spectra, obtained by a direct inlet system, and NMR spectra. A facile thermal elimination of trimethylsilanol occurred if these products were analyzed by GLC-mass spectrometry, with the consequent formation of quinoline derivatives. The latter gave rise to well-separated gas chromatographic peaks and showed fragmentation patterns which can be employed to define the structure of anthocyanidins.