Carotenoid glycosides

Abstract

Progress in the field of the carotenoid glycosides since 1971 is surveyed. Structures of new natural compounds are discussed. They cover compounds with C 20 -(crocetin derivatives), C 30 -(tritperpenoid carotenoids), C4o-(zeaxanthin) as well as C 50 -carotenoids (bacterioruberin, sarcinaxanthin, decaprenoxanthin) as aglycon. Progress in isolating methods, particularly chromatographic methods and the application of countercurrent distribution for the separation of carotenoid glycosides are discussed. Experiments for the partial synthesis of carotenoid glycosides according to the method by Koenigs and Knorr are discussed and the limits of the method shown. Some aspects of the biosynthesis and the function of the carotenoid glycosides, fields in which little is known, are shown. © 1976, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.