Natural Food Colours
Which flavonoid class contains the flavylium ion structure responsible for intense colors?
Which flavonoid class contains the flavylium ion structure responsible for intense colors?
Try to answer before revealing the correct option and explanation.
Correct Answer
✅ C. Anthocyanins
Explanation
Anthocyanins contain a positively charged flavylium ion structure, which allows them to absorb visible light and produce intense red, purple, and blue colors.
The color depends on:
- pH
- Molecular structure
- Pigment concentration
- Chemical interactions
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Flavonols: Usually yellow or colorless.
- Flavanones: Mostly colorless citrus compounds.
- Isoflavones: pale yellow to orange color soybeans compound
Key Concept
Flavylium ion → Anthocyanin color Anthocyanins → Natural food pigments Highly pH sensitive
Related Sub-categories
References
- Fennema’s Food Chemistry, 5th Edition — Damodaran & Parkin, CRC Press.
- Food Chemistry, 4th Edition — Belitz, Grosch & Schieberle, Springer.
- Principles of Food Chemistry, 4th Edition — deMan et al., Springer.
- Food: The Chemistry of Its Components, 7th Edition — T.P. Coultate.
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