Comparative Studies in the Fluorescence and Excitation Spectra of 3-Hydroxyflavone and 2(2'-Heteroaryl)-3-Hydroxy-4H-Chromen-4-Ones

The absorption, fluorescence, and excitation spectra of FHC and THC have been studied and compared with 3HF in cyclohexane, acetonitrile, and methanol. Anion formation in acetonitrile and methanol has been observed in all three flavonols in the order THC-FHC-3HF in their ground states. As excitation and absorption spectra are similar in all the cases (including the anion one), it is possible to observe the absorption spectra of the pure anion of the flavonols in neutral solvents, which is difficult to measure directly.