This invention provides a method for synthesizing novel natural pigments using phenotypic catechins. Various epicatechins, epigallocatechins,
epicatechin gallate esters, and
epigallocatechin gallate esters are used as substrates. These are mixed and subjected to a non-enzymatic oxidation reaction under humid and hot conditions to generate a new class of tea
pigment compounds. The non-enzymatic oxidation products of the phenotypic catechins are then concentrated under reduced pressure, freeze-dried, extracted, and purified by
column chromatography to obtain dimeric
catechin pigments. The six novel dimeric
catechin pigments obtained by this invention are synthesized using a simple method. The six novel dimeric
catechin pigments obtained according to the method of this invention are orange-yellow or orange-red amorphous powders with good color-adjusting capabilities, and can be applied to coloring tea beverages and new-style tea drinks. The discovery of this type of natural
pigment contributes to the research on coloring substances during the thermal
processing of tea, the improvement of tea liquor
color quality, and the development and application in the field of
food coloring.