Beta-carotene is a pigment found in plants that gives them their color. The name beta-carotene is derived from the Latin name for carrot.
Applications
It gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables their rich hues. Beta-carotene is also used to color foods such as margarine. In the body, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A (retinol). We need vitamin A for good vision and eye health, for a strong immune system, and for healthy skin and mucous membranes.
 
Description
Beta-carotene is a type of substance called a carotenoid. Carotenoids give plants, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots, their reddish-violet colors. Beta-carotene is a provitamin. This means it’s used by your body to make vitamin A.
 
Preparation
Among the methods of β,β-carotene synthesis are the reactions of dehydration and elimination, the selective condensation reaction of carbonyl compounds and the homo-dimerization reaction, and the selective coupling reaction of Csp2–Csp2 (Bienayme 1994; Fontan et al., 2013).
 
Chemical Properties
Beta-carotene is an orange to red crystalline powder with low solubility in water, known for its antioxidant properties and its conversion to vitamin A in the body.
 
Definition
Beta-carotene is a naturally occurring pigment and antioxidant, often found in colorful fruits and vegetables, which can be converted into vitamin A in the body.