The Chemical Structure of the Intermediate Metabolites of Catechin. I

Chemical Properties of the Intermediate Metabolites (G and H) and their Derivatives

Abstract

Examinations were made on two intermediate metabolites excreted after administration of (+)-catechin to the rabbit. From the infrared and ultraviolet spectra of these two substances (C₁₁H₁₂O₃ and C₁₁H₁₂O₄) and chemical properties of their various derivatives, they were identified as 3-hydroxyphenyl lactone and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl lactone. However, it still remains unknown whether they are δ- or γ-lactone.