Patent ID: 8034983
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: A23L,C07C,C09B

Abstract:
1. A non-aqueous process for the preparation of a non-esterified xanthophyll solid comprising the steps: a) combining a xanthophyll ester containing plant oleoresin or suitable plant material with an alkali alcoholate, optionally with an aprotic organic solvent, to form a mixture; b) adding a sufficient quantity of alcohol to the mixture until xanthophyll ester(s) cannot be detected and non-esterified xanthophyll solids are formed; c) adding a sufficient amount of alcohol to the non-esterified xanthophyll solids of step b) at ambient temperature to cause precipitation of the non-esterified xanthophyll solids; and d) isolating the non-esterified xanthophyll solids of step c), wherein water is substantially absent from any step.