Abstract
This research initiative immerses students in a multifaceted analytical chemistry investigation of catechins—polyphenolic antioxidants prevalent in green tea—through the application of both classical and modern techniques. The project emphasizes hands-on experience with real-world sample analysis, method development, and critical data interpretation.
Catechins were extracted from various commercial green tea products, including loose leaves, powders, and dietary supplements, by trituration with ethyl acetate followed by solvent partitioning using a methanol and water solution. The resulting extracts were analyzed using UV-Visible spectroscopy to quantify catechin content. Selected samples were further characterized by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), confirming both the identity and purity of catechins and validating the effectiveness of the developed isolation protocol.
To enhance student understanding of electronic transitions and structure–property relationships, quantum chemical calculations were performed using Gaussian software. Theoretical UV-Vis spectra, generated via time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), were compared with experimental data, allowing students to explore the relationship between molecular structure and spectroscopic behavior.
This integrated laboratory experience reinforces core analytical chemistry concepts—separations, spectroscopy, and computational modeling—while promoting scientific inquiry and interdisciplinary learning. Designed to be scalable and accessible in standard undergraduate teaching laboratories, the experiment also supports further exploration through pH-dependence studies, stability assessments, and statistical evaluation of extraction efficiency. This research-centered model will enhance student engagement and foster the development of practical analytical skills in the context of natural product analysis.
Faculty Advisor
Masakatsu Watanabe
Department/Program
Chemistry
Submission Type
in-person poster
Date
4-13-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
McKinley, Zach J. and Watanabe, Masakatsu
(2026)
"Spectroscopic Characterization and Extraction Optimization of Catechins in Green Tea,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 81.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/81
