Catechin and Epicatechin. What’s the More Reactive?

Catechin and epicatechin are two isomeric flavonoids. Despite the vital properties highlighted by numerous scientific studies, very little data is available on the intrinsic reactivity of these compounds. To provide more details on the stability and reactivity of catechin and epicatechin, this study is performed by means of theoretical calculation methods. For this purpose, geometry optimizations and frequency calculations at the B3LYP/6-31 + G (d, p) level of theory has been carried out and Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis and VEDA (Vibrational Energy Distribution Analysis). The geometric and energy parameters and NBO analysis show that catechin appears more stable than epicatechin. The hydroxyl group position on the ring C of the catechol structure represents a factor that influences this relative stability. The global and local reactivity parameters reveal that epicatechin becomes more reactive than catechin. They indicate that their hydroxyl groups correspond to their most receptive sites. Fukui indices, VEDA and acidity study establish that O28–H29 remains the most reactive.