Abstract
This undergraduate research project proposes the conversion of carboxylic portions of betalains in amides and esters as well as the determination of the effect of structural change on the photophysical properties and thermal stability of betalains. Two model betalains were selected: betanin (Bn), a non-toxic and water-soluble pigment obtained from the red beet, and betacoumarin-120 (Btc-1…