title: C-27 apocarotenoids in the flowers of Boronia megastigma (Nees).
abstract: Five C-27 apocarotenoids were detected in acetone extracts of the flowers of Boronia megastigma (Nees) using HPLC with UV-vis photodiode array and MS detection. Comparison of methylated and unmethylated extracts aided identification when considered with the UV-vis and MS data. The five apocarotenoids identified here were hydroxy-apo-10'-carotenoic acid (1), methyl hydroxy-apo-10'-carotenoate (2), apo-10'-carotenoic acid (3), apo-10'-carotenal (4), and methyl apo-10'-carotenoate (5). The data obtained was not sufficient to allow the specific isomeric forms to be unequivocally identified. The results further support speculation that the C-13 norisoprenoids found in boronia are derived from C-40 carotenoids. Possible parent molecules of beta-ionone, an important component of boronia extract, were identified. An understanding of C-13 norisoprenoid biosynthesis may assist in the selection and postharvest processing of boronia flowers for flavor and fragrance applications.
authors.affiliation: School of Agricultural Science and Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-54, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Noel W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Menary
mesh_terms: D000096:Acetone; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D035264:Flowers / Q000737:chemistry*; D008745:Methylation; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry; D027821:Rutaceae / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D000096:Acetone; D002338:Carotenoids