(3R,3'R,6'R)-Lutein and (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin are two dietary carotenoids that are present in most fruits and vegetables commonly consumed in the US. These carotenoids accumulate in the human plasma, major organs, and ocular tissues. In the past decade, numerous epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin play an important role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and Western World. The invention provides a process for the synthesis of (3R,3'R,6'R)-lutein and its stereoisomers from commercially available (rac)-.alpha.-ionone by a C.sub.15+C.sub.10+C.sub.15 coupling strategy. In addition, the present invention also provides access to the precursors of optically active carotenoids with 3-hydroxy-.epsilon.-end group that are otherwise difficult to synthesize. The process developed for the synthesis of lutein and its stereoisomers is straightforward and has potential for commercialization.

alpha ionone/macular degeneration

Process for synthesis of (3R,3'R,6'R)-lutein and its stereoisomers

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