(E/Z)-Isomeric carotenes

Abstract

Selected examples of new developments dealing with the preparation of (Z)-isomeric carotenes are presented. Some unpublished results on the synthesis and characterization of geometrical isomers of β,β-carotene, (rac)-β,ε-carotene and ψ,ψ-carotene (lycopene) are included. Thermal isomerization of (all-E)-carotenes and the significance of (Z)-isomers in carotene biosynthesis are addressed.