Preparation of 4,4'-diketo-beta-carotene derivatives

摘要

A method of preparing beta-carotene derivatives such as canthaxanthin and astaxanthin is described. The method employs an in situ system to generate hypobromous acid as the oxidizing agent using a salt of sulfite, hydrogen sulfite or bisulfite in combination with a bromate salt. Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are obtained in good yield with a significantly reduced reaction time.