Structural Characterization of Flavonoids Using Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to review the fragmentation pattern of commonly known flavonoids in mass spectrometry (MS) along with brief examples. In the current review, literature search was conducted using Elsevier, Science Direct, Springer Link (Springer), PubMed and Google Scholar. The search included the keywords “flavonoids”, “C-, O-glycoside flavonoids”, “aglycan flavonoids‟‟ cross-referenced with the keywords “characterization”, “elucidation”, ”fragmentation”. Several authors reported that the main fragmentation paths of flavonoids are apparently independent of the actual ionization mode or the types of analyzers applied. The most useful fragmentations of flavonoids, in terms of structural elucidation, were found those that involve breaking the C-ring bonds. These fragmentations give rise to product ions containing the A or B ring and part of the C ring. It was also found that each class of flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides are characterized by specific fragmentation patterns. From the available literature it has been found that the diversity and sensitivity of mass spectrometry is a useful technique for the analysis and structural characterization of different types of flavonoids.

Keywords: flavonoids, C-glycoside flavonoids, O-glycoside flavonoids, aglycan flavonoid, characterization, elucidation

 Cite this Article

Hagazy K, Mulata HN. Structural Characterization of Flavonoids Using Mass Spectrometry. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2016; 6(3): 29–47p.