Description
[ Chemical names ] β-carotene-4,4’-dione; 4,4’- diketo-β-carotene
[ CAS NO. ] 514-78-3
[ Molecular Formula ] C40H52O2
[ Molecular Weight ] 564.84
[ Apparence ] Dark red small particles
About Canthaxanthin
Astaxanthin is produced by microscopic small plants: the micro-alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Haematococcus algae can contain up to 30 g of astaxanthin per kg dried algae. These micro-alga are eaten by marine animals including fish, crawfish, crabs and lobster. The Astaxanthin is responsible for the red colour of these animals. Another commercial source is from the ink coloured yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.
