Gamma radiolytic degradation of catechin in aqueous solution

Abstract

Catechin is a polyphenol belonging to flavan-3-ol class, most abundantly found in tea. Due to its remarkable metal chelation property, it can be used as a suitable radionuclide carrier in the field of radiopharmaceuticals. Therefore, aqueous radiation stability of catechin was studied under 60Co-γ radiation environment. The degradation efficiency was ∼20% for initial concentration of 50 mg L−1 and ∼50% for initial concentration of 25 mg L−1 with application of 1.2 kGy dose. The degradation kinetics followed the pseudo first order kinetic reaction model. The radiation chemical yield value implied that presence of reactive species from gamma-induced radiolysis of water has a profound impact on the degradation of catechin in aqueous solution. Degradation was more favoured in neutral medium compared to acidic medium. Addition of ethanol significantly decreased the degradation efficiency.