PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVE SUBSTANCE

摘要

Disclosed is a process for producing carnosic acid (the major antioxidant active substance contained in a rosemary plant) with high efficiency by carrying out the ortho-position oxidation of a phenol with an oxidizing agent (e.g., 2-iodoxybenzoic acid) and the subsequent ester removal reaction by using, as a starting material, pisiferic acid (the main component of Chamaecyparis pisifera which is a plant which has been planted in great numbers as wood resources). Specifically disclosed is a process for producing an antioxidant active substance contained in a rosemary plant and represented by general formula (5).  The process is characterized by comprising: a first step of oxidizing a pisiferic acid derivative represented by general formula (1) with an oxidizing agent represented by general formula (2) or (4); and a second step of reducing or hydrolyzing a pisiferic acid derivative intermediate produced in the first step.