A method used for synthesizing intermediates for use in the synthesis of carotenoids and carotenoid analogs, and/or carotenoid derivatives. In some embodiments, the invention includes methods for synthesizing optically active intermediates useful for the synthesis of optically active carotenoids. Synthesis of optically active carotenoids, in one embodiment, may be accomplished by forming an optically active dihydroxy ketone intermediate from ketoisopherone. The optically active dihydroxy ketone intermediate may be converted into optically active astaxanthin derivatives.