Abstract: Lutein has many conjugated double bonds,which lead to poor aqueous solubility and stability and constrain its application in commercial and clinical fields heavily.Somewhat differently triethylamine was used as the catalyst to synthesis the lutein disuccinate by lutein and succinic anhydride and the effect of the temperature,reaction time and molar ratio on the yield was determined by the single factor experiment.The results indicated that the optimum condition as follow,reaction time was 12 h,temperature was 35 ℃,molar ratio(lutein:succinic anhydride) was 1:5.Finally,lutein disuccinate sodium salt(Lds) was synthesized by CH3ONa.The aqueous solubility of Lds was 22.32 mg/ml,but lutein could be barely solved in water and its stability to light,heat and pH was tested.In addition,the hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability was also investigated.The results suggested that Lds had better stability and antioxidant activity than lutein.In order to better preserve Lds,heat,light,acid and air should be avoid.

Key words: lutein, lutein esters, watersolubility, stability, antioxidant activity