Abstract: This experiment optimized the purification method of pigment from chestnut shells,and then analyzed the chemical properties,ultraviolet(UV) spectrum and infrared(IR) spectrum. The results of silica gel column chromatography indicated that the new method is simple and effective. The UV spectrum analysis showed that:(1) In methanol solution,there are strong absorption peaks near 218 nm and weak absorption peak near 264 nm.(2) In pH 3.0 or 4.0 NaOH-HCl solution,there are apparent absorption peaks near 218 nm and 264 nm and small absorption peak near 480 nm.(3) In pH 5.0 or 6.0 NaOH-HCl solution,there are apparent absorption peaks near 218 nm and 272 nm and small absorption peak near 510 nm,so does the UV spectrum in alkaline solution. IR spectrum revealed that the main absorption wave numbers of the pigment are 3400,3145,3043,1715,1630,1400,1036 and 620 cm-1. According to the results of chemical property analysis,it was concluded preliminarily that there are benzene ring and phenolic hydroxyl,but no tipical flavonoids structure existing in the chemical structure of the pigment.

Key words: chestnut shells, pigment, chemical properties, UV spectrum, IR spectrum