METHOD FOR PREPARING HIGH LEVEL OF ZEAXANTHIN

摘要

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.