Why is the hydrated or colorless form of the anthocyanin important? Véronique Cheynier has proposed that the hydrated form is actually the reactive form of the anthocyanin. When water hydrates the anthocyanin, it adds 2 electrons to the molecule, which in turn increases the electro-negativity at the 6 and 8 positions on the A ring. Generally, it appears that the 8 position is the favored postion of reaction.