SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERISATION OF DIMERS OF CATECHIN AND EPICATECHIN

A method of synthesis of ‘dimers’ of catechin and epicatechin is described which gives 50% yields of the pure substances. The structures of the products are confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance using 1H and 13C resonances and by mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry using laser impact with (+) ions allows a rapid distinction to be made between the ‘dimers’ derived from catechin or epicatechin.