Structure determination and colour properties of a new directly linked flavanol-anthocyanin dimer

The structure of catechin-(4α→8)-malvidin 3-O-glucoside obtained by reaction of taxifolin and malvidin 3-O-glucoside following a protocol adapted from proanthocyanidin dimer synthesis was determined by NMR spectrometry. Incorporation of the anthocyanin moiety into a covalent linked flavanol-anthocyanin dimer did not modify its colour properties (i.e., hydration equilibrium constant and copigmentation).