Reflections on carotenoid synthesis

Abstract

This lecture will comprise a review of the state of the art of both academic and industrial aspects of carotenoid research: 1. The present research frontiers of carotenoid synthesis. 2. The future trends and opportunities in the field. 3. The resources needed to explore and go beyond these frontiers. The more important methodologies used in total and partial synthesis will be discussed, including catalysis and organometallic chemistry as well as technical realization, safety, ecology and economy of processes. Where appropriate, biological aspects, such as biosynthesis, biocatalysis, fixed enzymes and organisms, biotechnology and molecular biology will be dealt with. In this context, some more critical questions will be asked concerning e.g.: the future of chemical synthesis, the implementation of biocatalysis, the application of molecular biology to process development, etc. Moreover, the now historic visions and milestones that lead the way to some of the more important ROCHE carotenoid products will be discussed, including my personal views and reflections. Finally, some recent contributions from our laboratories will be presented. © 1994 IUPAC