Isolation of beta, beta-caroten-2-ol from an insect, Cerura vinula (Lepidoptera)

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.