A highly biologically active metabolite of retinoic acid (8111) has been isolated in pure form from intestinal mucosa of vitamin A deficient rats given [3H] retinoic acid. This metabolite has been positively identified as 5,6-epoxyretinoic acid based on the ultraviolet absorption spectrum and mass spectrum of its methylated derivative. This identification was confirmed by cochromatography of the methylated metabolite and synthetic methyl 5,6-epoxyretinoate on reverse-phase and straight-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. The 5,6-epoxyretinoic acid is a true in vivo generated metabolite of retinoic acid and not an artifact of the isolation procedure. In addition, 5,8-oxyretinoic acid previously isolated in this laboratory from intestinal mucosa was probably generated from 5,6-epoxyretinoic acid by the acidic conditions used in the extraction and isolation of the 5,8-oxyretinoic acid. © 1978, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.