Abstract: The invention relates to a purified xanthophyll composition comprising (trans,R R)-lutein and (trans,R,R)-zeaxanthin, which is comprised of more than 80% of total xanthophylls and a process for the preparation thereof. Purified xanthophyll composition is comprised of selective isomers such as at least 85% by weight of (trans,R,R)-lutein and at least 15% by weight of (trans,R,R)-zeaxanthin. The composition is prepared by process of extraction from two different plant sources using industrially viable process and purified by employing food grade polar and non-polar solvents. The invention relates to purified xanthophyll composition which is selectively free from (R,S)-zeaxanthin and is suitable for human consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for isolating a carotenoid from a carotenoid-producing bioorganism, as well as to a formulation comprising such a carotenoid, and the use of such a solid formulation in feed products (or pre-mixes).

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing high-content zeaxanthin. In the conventional preparation methods, some methods adopt certain toxic organic solvents; some methods require the multi-step crystallization process; and some methods are featured by long reaction time, high temperature and lower product yield, thus being not suitable for industrial production. The invention adopts lutein crystal or its fatty acid ester as the raw material and utilizes isomerization reaction to produce zeaxanthin, and is characterized in that a mixed catalyst consisting of an organic base catalyst and a cocatalyst is used in the isomerization reaction, wherein the cocatalyst is palladium carbon. The invention has the advantages of simple process route, low reaction temperature, short reaction time, good product purity and high yield, thus being suitable for industrial production, and no poisonous and harmful organic solvent residues in the product, thus being suitable for the use as a food additive or drug.

Abstract: A method comprising a step of stirring a composition containing a biphenol compound represented by the formula (1): wherein, R1 and R2 represent each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and m and n represent each independently an integer of 0 to 2, a secondary alcohol and a nickel catalyst, for producing a hydroxyphenylcyclohexanol compound represented by the formula (2): wherein, R1, R2, m and n represent the same meaning as described above, with the proviso that the above-described secondary alcohol has a different structure from that of the hydroxyphenylcyclohexanol compound represented by the above-described formula (2).

Abstract: A single stage straight forward process for extraction and isolation of lutein ester from the dried petals of marigold flowers Tagetes species using the carbondioxide as the supercritical fluid was developed. The pressure maintained for the extraction was up to 625 bar and at temperature up to 750 Centigrade. Lutein ester of high strength and purity up to 70% was achieved for the first time in single stage from the dried petals of marigold flowers-Tagetes species while enrichment of the lutein ester content up to 98% was achieved by crystallization of the lutein ester obtained from supercritical carbon dioxide extract (SCFE). The high strength and purified lutein ester isolated by supercritical fluid-single stage extraction process are free from saturated fat, oil, waxy impurities and serve as a safe source of nutritional supplement for human consumption and color additive for human foods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one dicyclohexylmethanol derivative of the formula (I) as antimicrobial active compound or as anti-acne, antidandruff, deodorant or antiperspirant active compound, to preparations comprising these compounds, and to specific dicyclohexylmethanol derivatives and to a process for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides the new method for extracting lutein from natural materials wherein the said method comprises of modification of natural lutein ester in the natural materials to free lutein and/or low molecular weight lutein ester, extraction of the said natural materials with supercritical fluid at the optimal conditions. The said method yields high amount of crude lutein with high purity due to the mild condition used for extraction. Therefore, no degradation of the desired product is occurred. The crude lutein can be further purified with chromatography in order to obtain the highly purified lutein. The method according to this invention can be applied to the extraction of xanthophylls or others beside lutein.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently producing high-purity hydrogenated biphenol based on a simple method that can be industrially utilized using easily-available biphenol as a starting material. The method for producing hydrogenated biphenol according to the present invention is a method for producing hydrogenated biphenol by hydrogenating biphenol represented by the following formula (1): to obtain hydrogenated biphenol represented by the following formula (2): the method comprising: a reaction step of hydrogenating the biphenol represented by formula (1); and a purification step of washing or crystallizing a reaction product obtained from the reaction step using an aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a carotenoid, which comprises culturing a carotenoid-producing bacterium in an amino acid-supplemented medium, and collecting the carotenoid from the resulting cultured product, wherein the amino acid is at least one selected, from the group consisting of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glutamine, asparagine, alanine, glycine, serine, threonine, arginine, tyrosine, proline, phenylalanine and leucine, and salts thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant cells (e.g., recombinant bacteria or plant, insect, mammalian, and yeast cells) containing a nucleic acid encoding a CYP97A protein or a nucleic acid encoding a CYP97B protein; a nucleic acid encoding a CYP97C protein; a nucleic acid encoding a geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase protein; a nucleic acid encoding a phytoene synthase protein; a nucleic acid encoding a phytoene desaturase protein; a nucleic acid encoding a lycopene ?-cyclase protein; and a nucleic acid encoding a lycopene ?-cyclase protein. Also provided are methods of producing lutein that include culturing these recombinant cells (e.g., recombinant bacteria and yeast cells), and methods of generating these recombinant cells (e.g., recombinant bacteria and yeast cells). Also provided is lutein produced by these methods, and pharmaceutical compositions, food supplements, food products, and cosmetic compositions that contain lutein produced by these methods.

Abstract: Disclosed a process for preparing a xanthophyll crystal, comprising: dissolving the plant extract containing a xanthophyll ester in n-hexane, then filtering the mixture; adding acetone to the filtrate, filtering and collecting a filter cake; mixing the filter cake with soybean oil and ethanol uniformly; saponifying the mixed solution with alkaline aqueous solution; then adding an acidic solution thereto until the mixed solution becomes acidic, concentrating under reduced pressure to obtain a pasty substance; adding n-hexane to the pasty saponified product, standing still and then conducting a solid-liquid separation; washing the resulting solid substance with deionized water; adding a mixed solvent to the washed solid substance, dissolving it with stirring; and then adding n-hexane thereto and standing still to recrystallize.

Abstract: The present application relates to perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products comprising such perfume raw materials and/or such perfume delivery systems, as well as processes for making and using such perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products. Such perfume raw materials and compositions, including the delivery systems, disclosed herein expand the perfume communities' options as such perfume raw materials can provide variations on character and such compositions can provide desired odor profiles.

Abstract: The invention makes public a method for preparing xanthophyll crystals with higher content of zeaxanthin from plant oleoresin. The current methods generally are to get quite pure crystal forms of xanthophyll or zeaxanthin, and they refer to several separation steps.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a novel cyclohexane compound that can form a liquid crystal composition of which response speed is improved when mixed with a nematic liquid crystal and the like and to provide a specified liquid crystal composition in which a novel cyclohexane compound is mixed. The novel cyclohexane compound is represented by the following formula (1). (In the formula (1), R1 and R2 represent the same or different R, ROCO or RCOO, and the R represents an alkyl group. The alkyl group may have an unsaturated bond, and, in the group, —CH2— may be substituted with —O—, —CO— or —COO—, and a part of or an entirety of hydrogen atoms may be substituted with a halogen atom or a cyano group. X and Y each independently represents a halogen atom or a hydrogen atom and does not simultaneously represent a hydrogen atom. Further, alternatively, X represents an oxygen atom and Y represents a direct bond to the oxygen atom.

Abstract: Disclosed a process for preparing a xanthophyll crystal, comprising: dissolving the plant extract containing a xanthophyll ester in n-hexane, then filtering the mixture; adding acetone to the filtrate, filtering and collecting a filter cake; mixing the filter cake with soybean oil and ethanol uniformly; saponifying the mixed solution with alkaline aqueous solution; then adding an acidic solution thereto until the mixed solution becomes acidic, concentrating under reduced pressure to obtain a pasty substance; adding n-hexane to the pasty saponified product, standing still and then conducting a solid-liquid separation; washing the resulting solid substance with deionized water; adding a mixed solvent to the washed solid substance, dissolving it with stirring; and then adding n-hexane thereto and standing still to recrystallize.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for collecting a carotenoid from a culture of a carotenoid-producing bacterium at high yield. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for separating a carotenoid comprising a step of precipitating a concentrate containing the carotenoid from a culture of a carotenoid-producing bacterium under acidic conditions; and a method for producing a carotenoid comprising the steps of precipitating a concentrate containing the carotenoid from a culture of a carotenoid-producing bacterium under acidic conditions and collecting the carotenoid from the obtained precipitate.

Abstract: A method for producing lutein from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana is provided. The lutein can be derived inter alia from Nicotiana species biomass. A method such as is described in various embodiments herein also provides articles and compositions that include lutein produced from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana.

Abstract: The present invention provides the new method for extracting lutein from natural materials wherein the said method comprises of modification of natural lutein ester in the natural materials to free lutein and/or low molecular weight lutein ester, extraction of the said natural materials with supercritical fluid at the optimal conditions. The said method yields high amount of crude lutein with high purity due to the mild condition used for extraction. Therefore, no degradation of the desired product is occurred. The crude lutein can be further purified with chromatography in order to obtain the highly purified lutein. The method according to this invention can be applied to the extraction of xanthophylls or others beside lutein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a practical and effective process for converting esterified xanthophylls, including zeaxanthin, to non-esterified xanthophylls through saponification. In addition, the invention provides a process for obtaining esterified zeaxanthin in high yields and purities, isolating the xanthophylls from interfering substances such as waxes, oils, and fats. A product of this process is a zeaxanthin rich substrate that is suitable for use in foods, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and related products.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with Capsicum plants producing greater than about 0.4% zeaxanthin, by weight in the dried, ripe fruit pod flesh, which plants have been developed from commercially grown Capsicum cultivars by plant breeding techniques. Zeaxanthin is the dominant carotenoid in the dried ripe fruit pod flesh, when measured in non-esterified forms. Alternatively, these plants may be characterized as exhibiting a high pigmentation measured as an ASTA value and further characterized by the predominant presence of zeaxanthin. The zeaxanthin derived from these Capsicum plants can be used in applications that include nutritional supplements, foods, functional foods, cosmetics, animal feeds, aquaculture feeds, and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of visual performance, particularly of visual performance in the darkness, by administration of a colorant that is capable of being incorporated into eye tissue and/or causing yellowing of eye tissue, especially carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline media (LC media) having negative or positive dielectric anisotropy comprising self-aligning mesogens (SAMs) which effect homeotropic (vertical) alignment of the LC media at a surface or the cell walls of a liquid-crystal display (LC display). The invention therefore also encompasses LC displays having homeotropic alignment of the liquid-crystalline medium (LC medium) without conventional imide alignment layers. The LC media may be supplemented by a polymerisable or polymerised component, which serves for stabilisation of the alignment, for adjustment of the tilt angle and/or as passivation layer.

Abstract: A process for isolation of carotenoids crystals having lutein and zeaxanthin in a weight ratio of about 10:1, 5:1 or 1:1. The process comprises contacting a plant source rich in lutein with hexane and extracting at a temperature of about 40° C. to 60° C. to obtain an oleoresin rich in lutein; contacting a plant source rich in zeaxanthin with hexane and extracting at a temperature of about 40° C. to 60° C. to obtain an oleoresin rich in zeaxanthin. The oleoresin rich in lutein and the oleoresin rich in zeaxanthin are mixed separately in a ratios ranging from about 80:20 (w/w) to 90:10 (w/w) or about 70:30 (w/w) to 30:70 (w/w) or about 10:90 (w/w) to 20:80 (w/w) and homogenized to obtain a mixed oleoresin. The mixed oleoresin is hydrolyzed with an alcoholic alkali at a temperature of about 70° C. to 80° C. to obtain a reaction mixture. The carotenoids crystals are precipitated by adding hot water to the reaction mixture to form a precipitate.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of cyclopropyl carbinols by cyclopropanation of unsaturated alcoholates, utilizing a reagent system selected from (A) magnesium metal and dibromomethane, and (B) dibromomethane and a tertiary Grignard reagent, the reaction being carried out in the presence of an ether solvent. The process is useful, for example, for the preparation of ingredients for the flavor and fragrance industry.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a novel cyclohexane compound that can form a liquid crystal composition of which response speed is improved when mixed with a nematic liquid crystal and the like and to provide a specified liquid crystal composition in which a novel cyclohexane compound is mixed. The novel cyclohexane compound is represented by the following formula (1). (In the formula (1), R1 and R2 represent the same or different R, ROCO or RCOO, and the R represents an alkyl group. The alkyl group may have an unsaturated bond, and, in the group, —CH2— may be substituted with —O—, —CO— or —COO—, and a part of or an entirety of hydrogen atoms may be substituted with a halogen atom or a cyano group. X and Y each independently represents a halogen atom or a hydrogen atom and does not simultaneously represent a hydrogen atom. Further, alternatively, X represents an oxygen atom and Y represents a direct bond to the oxygen atom.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel saponification process for the isolation and purification of highly pure carotenoids from different carotenoid rich oleoresin derived from plants and microorganisms without the use of toxic chemicals and hazardous solvents. The hydrolysis is carried out by treating the carotenoid rich oleoresin with a novel mixture of a Fatty alcohol, alkali and a fatty acid without the use of any other solvents. Further the invention explains a process of stabilising the carotenoids from getting degraded due to high temperature and exposure time during the saponification process. Further the invention discloses an economically viable process of isolating high pure carotenoids with higher yield.

Abstract: A method for microbiologically producing zeaxanthin at high concentration and low cost while suppressing production of gluconic acid is presented. Specifically, a method for producing carotenoids containing zeaxanthin by culturing a bacterium producing carotenoids containing zeaxanthin in a medium containing biotin is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising MZ for use as a dietary supplement or food additive for oral consumption for improving the visual performance of a human subject.

Abstract: The invention makes public a preparing method for xanthophyll crystals with higher content of zeaxanthin from plant oleoresin. The current methods generally are to get quite pure crystal forms of xanthophyll or zeaxanthin, and they refer to several separation steps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a catalyst. The catalyst includes a mesoporous support and a plurality of metal nanoparticles dispersed and positioned in the mesopores of the mesoporous support. The method comprises the steps of: (a1)) allowing an organometallic precursor to be in contact with a mesoporous support, in which the organometallic precursor includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of ruthenium-containing compound, rhodium-containing compound and palladium-containing compound; and (a2) reducing the organometallic precursor in the presence of a supercritical fluid with a reductant, so that the organometallic precursor is reduced to the metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of enhancing an aspect of memory in a healthy individual, wherein the aspect of memory is selected from the group consisting of: associative memory, spatial memory and memory under stress comprising: administering a composition consisting of: a) an effective amount of either lutein or the combination of lutein and zeaxanthin; and b) an appropriate carrier; and observing the enhanced associative memory, spatial memory or memory under stress.

Abstract: Novel vitamin D analogues are useful for making pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention or treatment of bone disorders such as osteoporosis.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process to convert xanthophyll esters derived from Capsicum sources to their free (non-esterified) forms. The present invention is concerned with a process for obtaining Capsicum derived xanthophylls that meet the finished product needs for purity, yield, ease of use, industrial compatibility and cost that are required to make product suitable for the nutritional supplement, food and beverage industries. The present invention is concerned with a process which yields from 60 to 80%, of xanthophyll materials and nearly quantitative recovery of all input xanthophylls, which xanthophylls are of high purity. The present invention concerns a method to obtain xanthophyll esters present almost exclusively in the trans form when isolated from the natural plant sources. The present invention concerns a process to re-convert cis product back to the more desired trans form.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining zein and/or xanthophylls in highly pure form. Zein is first extracted from corn using aqueous ethanol. Suspended corn solids are separated, and the resulting extract is purified in a single size-exclusion chromatography step to separate impurities and produce substantially purified zein. The chromatography step may simultaneously produce substantially purified xanthophylls.

Abstract: Bis-Phenol A (BPA) can now be replaced in industrial processes by BPA substitutes. The BPA substitutes can have structures that are derivatives of BPA. The BPA substitutes can be used in preparing epoxy composition, polycarbonate compositions, and polysulfonate compositions or for other uses in place of BPA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds, compositions comprising hydroxyl compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing a variety of diseases and conditions such as, but not limited to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, impotence, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid elimination in bile, obesity, oxysterol elimination in bile, pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, phospholipid elimination in bile, renal disease, septicemia, Syndrome X, thrombotic disorder. Compounds and methods of the invention can also be used to modulate C reactive protein or enhance bile production in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of activate an isoform of protein kinase C (PKC) for the treatment of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease and stroke using cyclopropanated or epoxidized derivatives of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present invention also relates to methods of reducing neurodegeneration using cyclopropanated or epoxidized derivatives of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems for producing engineered oleaginous yeast or fungi that express carotenoids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of continuously conveying a liquid which is used as starting material in a chemical reaction by means of a displacement pump having physically separate forward-transport valves and a liquid-filled bidirectional flow line between displacement pump and forward-transport valves, wherein an auxiliary liquid which is a product or a starting material of the chemical reaction and has a melting point which is below the melting point or below the saturation temperature of the liquid to be conveyed is present in the bidirectional flow line. The present invention additionally provides for the use of a product formed by hydrogenation of an aromatic compound as auxiliary liquid for conveying an aromatic compound and also the use of an alcohol or an ester derived from alcohol and carboxylic acid as auxiliary liquid for conveying carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for isolation of carotenoids crystals comprising drying a plant part to obtain a meal and extracting the meal with alcohol at a temperature in the range of about 50° C. to 75° C. to obtain oleoresin. The oleoresin is enriched with alcohol at a temperature in the range of about 25° C. ° C. to 50° C. and hydrolyzed with alcoholic alkali at a temperature in the range of about 70° C. to 80° C. to obtain reaction mixture. The carotenoids crystals are precipitated from the reaction mixture by adding hot water followed by filtering, washing and drying the carotenoids crystals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a practical and effective process for converting esterified xanthophylls, including zeaxanthin, to non-esterified xanthophylls through saponification. In addition, the invention provides a process for obtaining esterified zeaxanthin in high yields and purities, isolating the xanthophylls from interfering substances such as waxes, oils, and fats. A product of this process is a zeaxanthin rich substrate that is suitable for use in foods, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and related products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treatment of material transported through the device comprising at least one porous element consisting of solid, for example metallic, structure which allows cross-flow of the material through the porous element. The invention also relates to various types of uses of the device. A device in accordance with the invention is particularly useful to carry out chemical reactions under homogenous and heterogeneous conditions. Such a device hereinafter also referred as reactor may comprises a tube (1) having a cylindrical wall (2) with one inlet end (3) and one outlet end (4). Arranged in the tube (1) is at least one cylindrical porous element (5) consisting of solid metal structure, wherein said porous element (5) comprises a plurality of hollow spaces that are connected to each other and form an interconnected cavity network and wherein the at least one porous element (5) and the cylindrical wall (2) are made in one piece.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula I: as well as its stereoisomers and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, for the treatment of diabetes and diabetes associated dyslipidemia.

Abstract: To provide a novel polymerizable fluorocompound having a highly fluorinated norbornane structure, and a polymer obtained from the compound. Further, their production processes and a novel intermediate useful for the processes. A novel compound (1) such as a compound (11) or a compound (12), and its polymer. A compound (2) such as a compound (21) or (22), and a compound (3) such as a compound (31) or (32M), which are useful as an intermediate for the production of the compound (1), and its production process. However, each of ZA to ZE represents such as —CH(—OC(O)C(CH3)?CH2)— or —CF2, Each of WA and WB represents such as F, each of YA to YE represents such as —CH(—OH)— or —CF(CH2OH), and each of XA to XE represents such as —C(O)— or —CF2—.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for collecting a carotenoid from a culture of a carotenoid-producing bacterium at high yield. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for separating a carotenoid comprising a step of precipitating a concentrate containing the carotenoid from a culture of a carotenoid-producing bacterium under acidic conditions; and a method for producing a carotenoid comprising the steps of precipitating a concentrate containing the carotenoid from a culture of a carotenoid-producing bacterium under acidic conditions and collecting the carotenoid from the obtained precipitate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed inter alia to the use of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (?)-epigallocatechin gallate, resveratrol, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, rose hip extract/concentrate, hydroxytyrosol, lycopene, lutein, ?-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and derivatives thereof, for the treatment of cellulite, for the prevention of the development of mild cellulite, for the prevention of the progression of mild cellulite to severe cellulite, for smoothening the micro relief of the skin, for maintaining or increasing the tensile properties of the skin, and/or for reducing the fat mass and the circumference at the hips and thighs, as well as to the corresponding cosmetic and medical methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-containing cyclic compound of formula (5): wherein R2-R4 and R9-R15 are independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a C1-C25 straight-chain, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and may contain fluorine atom, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, or nitrogen atom. R10 and R11, R12 and R13, or R14 and R15 may be bonded together to form a ring. In such a case, it is a C1-C25 alkylene group that may contain a hetero atom such as oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen, “a” is 0 or 1, “b” is an integer of 0-2 and “c” is an integer of 0-2.

Abstract: Most microalgae are obligate photoautotrophs and their growth is strictly dependent on the generation of photosynthetically-derived energy. In this study it is shown that the microalga Phaeodaclylurn tricornutum can be engineered to import glucose and grow in the dark through the introduction of genes encoding glucose transporters. Both the human and Chlorella kessleri glucose transporters facilitated the uptake of glucose by P. tricornutum, allowing the cells to metabolize exogenous organic carbon and thrive, independent of light. This is the first successful trophic conversion of an obligate photoautotroph through metabolic engineering, and it demonstrates that methods of cell nourishment can be fundamentally altered with the introduction of a single gene. Since strains transformed with the glucose transport genes are able to grow non-photosynthetically, they can be exploited for the analysis of photosynthetic processes through mutant generation and characterization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting lutein and/or lutein esters to (3R)-?-cryptoxanthin and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin, suitable for human consumption as dietary supplements, by employing safe and environmentally friendly reagents. (3R)-?-Cryptoxanthin and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin are two rare food carotenoids that are not commercially available and the former exhibits vitamin A activity. In the first synthetic step, commercially available lutein and/or lutein esters are transformed into a mixture of dehydration products of lutein (anhydroluteins) in the presence of a catalytic amount of an acid. The resulting anhydroluteins are then converted to (3R)-?-cryptoxanthin (major product) and (3R,6?R)-?-cryptoxanthin (minor product) by heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation employing transition elements of group VIII (Pt, Pd, Rh supported on alumina or carbon) in a variety of organic solvents under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen and at temperatures ranging from ?15° C. to 40° C.

Abstract: (3R,3?R,6?R)-Lutein and (3R,3?R)-zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids that are present in most fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in the US and accumulate in the human plasma, major organs, and ocular tissues. Another stereoisomer of (3R,3?R)-zeaxanthin that is not of dietary origin but is found in the human ocular tissues is (3R,3?S;meso)-zeaxanthin. There is growing evidence that these carotenoids play an important role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and the Western World. In view of the potential therapeutic application of dietary lutein, (3R,3?R)-zeaxanthin, and (3R,3?S;meso)-zeaxanthin, the industrial production of these carotenoids is of considerable importance.