title: Isolation of beta, beta-caroten-2-ol from an insect, Cerura vinula (Lepidoptera).
abstract: The monohydroxy carotenoid from the moth Cerura vinula has been shown to be beta, beta-caroten-2-ol on the basis of electronic, infrared, proton magnetic-resonance, and mass spectra. On acid treatment in the presence of molecular oxygen this carotenoid is dehydrogenated to 4',5-retro-beta,beta-caroten-2-one. The identification of beta,beta-caroten-2-ol by its retro product, its time course of acetylation, and its chromatographic properties relative to beta,beta-caroten-3-ol and beta,beta-caroten-4-ol is discussed. This is the first demonstration of a 2-hydroxylated carotenoid in an insect. Implications on the biogenesis of this pigment are considered.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D007915:Lepidoptera / Q000032:analysis*; D009036:Moths / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D010858:Pigmentation; D013057:Spectrum Analysis
chemical_list: D002338:Carotenoids