Mass spectrometry in the structural analysis of flavonoids

Flavonoids are very common and widespread secondary plant metabolites. They have a wide range of biological and physiological activities and serve as chemotaxonomic marker compounds. Therefore, they have been extensively investigated both in the past and during recent years. The interest in them is still increasing. In the search for new compounds, and also in quality control, there is a need to have reliable methodology for the analysis of flavonoids. Mass spectrometry can make an invaluable contribution because of its high sensitivity, possibilities of coupling with liquid chromatography and the availability of powerful tandem mass spectrometric techniques. A review of currently available mass spectrometric methodology used in the structure elucidation of flavonoids is presented. Sample preparation, liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis and tandem mass spectrometric procedures for the characterization of flavonoid aglycones, O-glycosides, C-glycosides and acylated glycosides are considered.