PURPOSE: To readily obtain β-carotene useful for a food additive, etc., through a stable intermediate in a short process at a high yield by subjecting two molecules of a specific sulfone compound to intermolecular coupling reaction and subjecting the resultant compound to desulfonation reaction.
CONSTITUTION: (A) A compound of formula I (R is a hydrocarbon group) is subjected to intermolecular coupling reaction by using, e.g. 1 equivalent of a base (e.g. a hydroxide, alcoholate, hydride or amide of an alkali metal or an organic metal compound) and (1/2) equivalent of halogenation agent [e.g. chlorine, bromine, iodine, N-bromosuccinimide or a compound of the formula: PX3 (X is a halogen)] to obtain a compound of formula II and the resultant compound is subjected to desulfonation reaction.
KANEKO TATSUHIKO
KASHIWA KENICHI
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