betaapo8carotenal

Beta-apo-8'-carotenal is an apocarotenoid aldehyde derived from the oxidative cleavage of beta-carotene, a C40 carotenoid. As an apo-carotenoid, it represents a shorter product formed by enzymatic scission of beta-carotene and retains one beta-ionone-like ring with an aldehyde terminus. The molecule is typically produced by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) that cut carotenoids at defined double-bond positions, generating various apo-carotenals including beta-apo-8'-carotenal.

In biosynthetic pathways, beta-apo-8'-carotenal can arise alongside other apocarotenoids and may be further metabolized to additional apo-carotenoids or reduced to related alcohols. In plants and animals, apocarotenoids often participate in signaling pathways, defense responses, or aroma formation, although beta-apo-8'-carotenal itself is less well characterized than some other apocarotenoids such as beta-ionone or retinal. Its biological roles, when established, are typically linked to its identity as a cleavage product of beta-carotene and its potential as a metabolic intermediate or sensory cue.

Chemical properties of beta-apo-8'-carotenal include its aldehyde functionality, which contributes to instability and susceptibility to oxidation under light and oxygen-rich conditions. Detection and quantification in biological samples commonly rely on sensitive analytical methods such as chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, given its relatively low abundance and reactive nature.

Synonyms for the compound include beta-apo-8'-carotenal and β-apo-8'-carotenal. The name reflects its origin from beta-carotene and its apo-cleavage at the 8' position.