Patent ID: 6313352
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for producing canthaxanthin comprising the steps of:a) mixing .beta.-carotene with an alkali metal chlorate or an alkali metal bromate in water and an organic solvent immiscible with water;b) adding an iodine halide or iodine; andc) adding a metal iodide,wherein the total amount of added iodine halide and/or iodine in step b) is 1 to 20% per mole of .beta.-carotene, the amount of added metal iodide in step c) is 1-40% per mole of .beta.-carotene and the molar ratio of the added metal iodide to the added iodine halide or iodine is 0.5 to 10.