Isolation of 3-hydroxy-β,ε-caroten-3′-one from two moth species,Actias selene andCerura vinula

Abstract

Summary. 3-Hydroxy-fl,e-caroten-3'-one (3'-dehydrolutein) was isolated from the moths Actias selene and Cerura vinula. The structure is based on chemical, chromatographical, electron, and mass spectroscopic data. The carotenoid is identical to a semi-synthetic sample obtained from lutein by Oppenauer oxidation. It seems to be widespread among Saturuiid and other moths, and is probably derived from dietary lutein.