Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of hesperidin at elevated temperatures.

Dilute sulfuric acid was used as a catalyst for hydrolysis of hesperidin suspensions in water at temperatures ranging from 25 to 180 degrees C. Significant acceleration of the reaction was observed at 120 degrees C and higher temperatures. This increase in the rate of hydrolysis can be attributed to increased solubilization of hesperidin in water at higher temperatures. Partial hydrolysis of hesperidin at 140 degrees C was used for the preparations of hesperetin-7-glucoside, which has a value in the synthesis of dihydrochalcone sweeteners. Simple separation of hesperetin and hesperetin-7-glucoside by extraction with dry acetone or lower alcohols has been developed.