Abstract
In order to confirm the structures of neo-luteochrome-U and -V, 9-cis-luteochrome (IV) and 9′-cis-luteochrome (V) were prepared by the following route: neo-β-carotene-U (II) converted from all-trans-β-carotene by the iodine catalysis in light was oxidized with monoperphthalic acid to give 9-cis-5, 6; 5′, 6′-diepoxy-β-carotene (III).
Treatment of (III) with CHCl3 saturated with hydrogen chloride afforded (IV) and (V). Comparison of UV-, IR-spectra or other characteristics and mixed chromatogram test show that (III), (IV) and (V) are almost identical with diepoxy-neo-β-carotene-D, neo-luteochrome-U and -V respectively. Simillar attempt was made to elucidate the structure of neo-luteochrome-B.
