Chromatographic separation and automated analysis of flavanols.

Flavanols from barley or hops were separated chromatographically and assayed automatically by reaction with the chromogen, 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde. For separating the flavanols on Sephadex G-25, gradient elution with water-methanol mixtures was necessary. The chromogen was specific for flavanols and well suited to AutoAnalyzer methods. The method appears generally applicable in flavanol analysis of plant materials.