This text is devoted entirely to the chemical synthesis of carotenoids. This is timely, in view of the rapid expansion and diversification of the carotenoid field. Much of the information is also relevant to the synthesis of vitamin A and related retinoids. The main text consists of four sections (chapters), each dealing with a major theme. The essential in-depth appreciation of the perspectives, principles and strategies of carotenoid synthesis is provided in the first chapter. Preparation of polyene synthoms and carotenoid end groups, and the coupling reactions commonly used for carbon-carbon double bond formation, as well as the application of these methods and synthoms for the synthesis of carotenoids, are then described in detail. The commercially important technical syntheses used for the large scale industrial production of carotenoids, and methods for the preparation of isotopically labelled carotenoids, in particular for biological and medical applications, are also covered. Following the practice established in volume 1A, worked examples are presented. These describe in detail reliable and efficient procedures for key reactions and can be used to form the basis of practical exercises for students of organic chemistry. tables of useful synthoms and a list of natural carotenoids that have been prepared by total synthesis are included as appendices.