Experiments on the synthesis of carotenoid glycosides

Isozeaxanthin was treated with trifluoroacetic acid and tetra-O-benzoyl-1-thio-β-d-glucose to afford β,β-carotene-4,4′-bisthioglucoside isomers in good yields. The deprotected compounds are mimetics of naturally occurring thermoxanthins and can show favourable effects against oxidation stress.