Characterization of polyphenol compounds from the roots and stems of Parthenocissus laetevirens by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A facile method based on high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(–)ESI‐MS n ) has been established for the analyses of polyphenol compounds in the root and stems of Parthenocissus laetevirens . Two characteristic fragments [C 3 O 2 (68 Da) and C 2 H 2 O (42 Da)] were utilized for the structural identification of polyphenols. Based on the reference standards, the fragment C 3 O 2 was presented when the compound possessed a 2,3‐dihydro‐1 H ‐indene‐4, 6‐diol moiety. Meanwhile, the C 2 H 2 O fragment (42 Da) yielded from the resorcinol ring was confirmed by resveratrol and three synthesized compounds identified as ( E )‐5‐styrylbenzene‐1,3‐diol, ( E )‐4‐styrylphenol and ( E )‐4‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxystyryl)phenol. FTICR‐MS n was performed to further confirm the structures of the fragments. Overall, 15 polyphenol compounds were characterized. Three polyphenol compounds were initially and tentatively characterized from P . laetevirens for the first time, and one was proposed as a novel compound. Furthermore, a pair of stereoisomers was readily distinguished by breakdown curves, and the trans‐ , cis ‐isomers could be identified by HPLC/DAD‐UV spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.