Patent ID: 8269027

Claim:
A method of synthesizing a bipolar trans carotenoid salt (BTCS) compound having the formula: YZ-TCRO-ZY where: Y=a cation which can be the same or different, Z=a polar group which can be the same or different and which is associated with the cation, and TCRO=a linear trans carotenoid skeleton with conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds and single bonds, and having pendant groups X, wherein the pendant groups X, which can be the same or different, are a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having 10 or less carbon atoms, or a halogen, comprising the steps of: a) coupling a trans dialdehyde containing conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds with a triphenylphosphorane to yield a trans diester, b) saponifying the product of step a), and wherein the above steps are carried out under conditions which yield a trans carotenoid salt.