A note on the phlobatannins of kino and Butea gums

Abstract

The phlobatannin components of kino gum and Butea gum have been purified and rendered free from water and ether-soluble impurities. By subsequent methylation and acetylation almost colourless methyl ethers and acetates have been obtained. They exhibit marked optical activity thus supporting the idea that the phlobatannins are probably hydroxyflavan derivatives. A comparison of the properties of the phlobatannins from the two sources and of their derivatives indicates that they are identical.