On the difference in decomposition of taxifolin and luteolin vs. fisetin and quercetin in aqueous media

The decomposition of flavonols quercetin and fisetin, flavone luteolin and flavanone taxifolin was studied in slightly alkaline solution under ambient conditions. The study was based on spectrophotometry and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Products formed by atmospheric oxygen oxidation and hydrolysis were identified by HPLC–DAD and HPLC–ESI-MS/MS. Only small differences in the chemical structure of flavonoids resulted in extremely variable oxidation pathways and products. Oxidation of flavonols led to the formation of both a benzofuranone derivative and several open structures. On the contrary, the benzofuranone derivative was not found as a product of taxifolin and luteolin oxidative decomposition. These compounds were oxidized to their hydroxylated derivatives and typical open structures. Quercetin was not identified as a possible oxidation product of taxifolin.