Fluorinated Analogs of the Carotenoprotein, α-Crustacyanin

Four analogs of the carotenoprotein α-crustacyanin have been prepared by reconstitution with the all-transisomer of four new carotenoids (10-F, 10,10′-F2and 14-F-astaxanthins, and 10′-F-adonirubin). All four blue carotenoproteins exhibit absorption spectra similar to that of the natural α-crustacyanin with λmaxin the range of 613–625 nm. Different rates of pigment formation and yields were noted. F NMR spectra of pigments derived from the three 10F carotenoids have been recorded. Fourcisisomers of 14-F-astaxanthin and one of 10′-F-adonirubin were also isolated.