FLASH-PHOTOLYSIS OF 4',7-DIHYDROXYFLAVYLIUM PERCHLORATE

In this work flash photolysis is applied for the first time to study k inetic processes involving synthetic flavylium salts and anthocyanins. This method proves to be a unique tool for the study of 4',7-dihydrox yflavylium salt, having shown that in this compound the cis-trans isom erization is not the determining step in the process that converts the flavylium cation into trans-chalcone. This role is attributed to the hydration reaction, in contrast with previous results obtained for 4'- substituted synthetic flavylium salts and anthocyanins.