Characterization of Fucoxanthin and Fucoxanthinol Esters in the Chinese Surf Clam, <i>Mactra chinensis</i>

Abstract

Fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol fatty acid esters in the clam, Mactra chinensis, were characterized on the basis of 1H NMR and FAB-MS spectra. 1H NMR revealed that the hydroxy group at C-3 in fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol was acylated. 3'-O-Acylated compounds such as fucoxanthinol 3'-ester or fucoxanthinol 3,3'-diester were not found in the clam. The fatty acids esterified with fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol were identified as C24:6, C22:5, C22:6, C20:5, C20:0, C20:1, C18:0, C18:1, C16:0, C16:1, and C14:0 by FAB-MS data.