The absolute configuration of actinioerythrin

Abstract

Actinioerythrin (1), 3,3'-diacyloxy-2,2'-dinor-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione, constitutes the major pigment of the sea anemone Actinia tenebrosa. The fatty acids involved in esterification differ from those reported for actinioerythrin from A. equina. Chemical and chiroptical studies establish the absolute configuration of actinioerythrin as 3S,3'S.