Occurrence and Chemical Synthesis of Apocarotenoids from Mucorales: A Review

Apocarotenoids are metabolites originated by degradation of carotenes through the loss of carbon atoms placed at the side chain of their structure as consequence of oxydative reactions. We present here the first review of apocarotenoids in the fungi mucorales Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Blakeslea trispora and Mucor mucedo. This review is divided into two parts: the first one presents their structures and sources, whereas the second part is dedicated to their chemical synthesis.