Introduction to Flavonoids

Book excerpt: Offering a wide ranging view of this important class of plant pigments, after a brief examination of the history & literature of flavonoids, this book explores structural variation of all subclasses of flavonoids, techniques for isolation, purification, & determination of structures, chemical syntheses, biosynthesis & genetics, patterns of distribution in the plant kingdom, & uses. Lastly, the functions of flavonoids in nature are investigated, as well as ways in which these compounds may have a more direct impact upon the human race. Contents: Introduction & Historical Perspective * Structural Variation * Occurrence & Distribution of Flavonoids * Extraction, Purification, & Identification of Flavonoids * Synthesis & Interconversions of Flavonoids * Biosynthesis & Genetics * Flavonoid Functions in Nature * Human Uses of Flavonoids