Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of hesperidin at elevated temperatures

Dilute sulfuric acid was used as a catalyst for hydrolysis of hesperidin su spensions in water at temperatures ranging from 25 to 180 degrees C. Signif icant acceleration of the reaction was observed at 120 degrees C and higher temperatures. This increase in the rate of hydrolysis can be attributed to increased solubilization of hesperidin in water at higher temperatures. Pa rtial hydrolysis of hesperidin at 140 degrees C was used for the preparatio ns of hesperetin-7-glucoside, which has a value in the synthesis of dihydro chalcone sweeteners. Simple separation of hesperetin and hesperetin-7-gluco side by extraction with dry acetone or lower alcohols has been developed. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.