Reticulataxanthin and Tangeraxanthin, Two Carbonyl Carotenoids from Tangerine Peel

SUMMARY Reticulataxanthin and tangeraxanthin were obtained from tangerine peel; both occurred in the diol fraction on countercurrent distribution, and on chromatography were found on the column above zeaxanthin as violet‐red and violet bands, respectively. Both contained a carbonyl group as a part of the conjugated‐double‐bond system. Reticulataxanthin was shown to be different from capsanthin, hydroxycanthaxanthin, and citraurin. Both of these carbonyl earotenoids apparently contained fewer than 40 carbon atoms, perhaps 34 or 35.