Palm oil carotenoids

Abstract

Chromatographic analysis of the unsaponifiable matter ob-tained by low temp. saponification of a "Sherbro" palm oil showed the presence of [alpha]-, [beta]-, and [gamma]-carotenes, lycopene, neolycopene, neolutein, and what is probably neo-[gamma]-carotene. A new carotenoid adsorbed on alumina at a position intermediate between [gamma] and [beta]-carotene is also reported. The various maxima in different solvents and the physical properties are given. The biogenesis of carotenoids is discussed in the light of ring chain tautomerism and proto-tropic asymmetric isomerisation.