Fluorinated analogs of the carotenoprotein, alpha-crustacyanin

Four analogs of the carotenoprotein alpha-crustacyanin have been prepared b y reconstitution with the ah-trans isomer of four new carotenoids (10-F, 10 ,10'-F-2 and 14-F-astaxanthins, and 10'-F-adonirubin). All four blue carote noproteins exhibit absorption spectra similar to that of the natural alpha- crustacyanin with lambda(max) in the range of 613-625 nm. Different rates o f pigment formation and yields were noted. F NMR spectra of pigments derive d from the three 10F carotenoids have been recorded. Four cis isomers of 14 -F-astaxanthin and one of 10'-F-adonirubin were also isolated. (C) 1998 Aca demic Press.