Chemical structure of crocetin.

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid that is found in the crocus flower. It forms brick red crystals with a melting point of 285 °C. Carotenoids are organic pigments naturally occurring in plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, some types of fungus and some bacteria. ... Structure of a carboxylic acid Carboxylic acids are organic acids characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group, which has the formula -C(=O)-OH, usually written as COOH. In general, the salts and anions of carboxylic acids are called carboxylates. ... Species See text. ...

The chemical structure of crocetin is the central core of crocin, the compound responsible for the color of saffron. Saffron is the name given to the dried stigma and part of the style of the saffron crocus, traditionally called Crocus sativus, which are harvested, dried, and used for cooking. ...