Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2)
Vitamins
Nutritional Enhancers
11032-49-8
C₃₁H₄₀O₂
$98.77 ~ $148.16
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:5kg/bag
One unit of:5kg/bag
5kg/bag
Product Info
What is Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2)?
Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2) is a specific, biologically active form of fat-soluble vitamin used as a nutritional supplement to support proper blood coagulation and promote bone and cardiovascular health by regulating calcium metabolism.
How is Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2) made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Inspection and preparation of starting materials, primarily menadione (Vitamin K3) and a synthetic isoprenoid side-chain precursor (e.g., geranylgeraniol). | Control Point: Purity and identity of all raw materials must be verified via HPLC and spectroscopy to meet >99% specifications. Note: The quality of inputs directly determines the final product purity and reaction yield. |
| 2 | Chemical Synthesis (Condensation) | Reacting menadione with the side-chain precursor in a reactor vessel using a suitable solvent and a catalyst (e.g., a Lewis acid) to form the menaquinone-4 molecule. | Control Point: Strict control of reaction temperature, pressure, and duration is critical. Reaction progress is monitored by in-process HPLC analysis. Note: This is the core synthesis step. Any deviation can lead to the formation of by-products and significantly lower the yield. |
| 3 | Reaction Quenching & Workup | The reaction is stopped (quenched), typically by adding water or a basic solution. The mixture is then neutralized and washed to remove the catalyst and water-soluble impurities. | Control Point: Monitor pH and temperature during neutralization to prevent product degradation. Ensure complete phase separation between the organic (product) and aqueous layers. Note: This step stabilizes the crude product and prepares it for purification. |
| 4 | Crude Product Crystallization | The solvent from the organic phase is removed under vacuum, causing the crude Menaquinone-4 to precipitate or crystallize out of the solution. The solid is then filtered. | Control Point: The rate of solvent removal and cooling must be carefully controlled to maximize the yield of solid product. Note: This is the first major purification step, separating the product from dissolved impurities. |
| 5 | Purification (Recrystallization) | The crude solid is dissolved in a minimal amount of a hot, pure solvent and then allowed to cool slowly. High-purity Menaquinone-4 crystals form, leaving impurities behind in the solution. | Control Point: Purity of the recrystallization solvent is paramount. The cooling profile is precisely managed to grow high-quality crystals. Purity is checked by HPLC. Note: This step is often repeated until the desired assay (e.g., >98%) is achieved. |
| 6 | Drying | The purified, wet crystals are collected by filtration and transferred to a vacuum dryer. They are dried at a controlled, low temperature to remove all residual solvents. | Control Point: Final product must be tested for residual solvent levels to ensure they are below pharmacopoeial limits. The drying temperature must be kept low to prevent thermal degradation. Note: Menaquinone-4 is sensitive to heat, light, and oxygen. |
| 7 | Milling and Sieving | The dried product is milled to a uniform, fine powder and sieved to ensure a consistent particle size distribution. | Control Point: Particle size is analyzed to meet customer or formulation specifications. Note: This ensures good flowability and homogeneity for subsequent processing into finished products like tablets or capsules. |
| 8 | Final Quality Control & Packaging | A final, comprehensive analysis of the powder is performed (Assay, Purity, Identity, Heavy Metals). The approved product is then packaged into airtight, light-proof containers, often under a nitrogen atmosphere. | Control Point: Product must comply with all pre-defined specifications (e.g., USP/EP monograph). Oxygen levels in the packaging must be minimal. Note: Proper packaging is crucial for protecting the sensitive Vitamin K2 from degradation and ensuring its shelf life. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 11032-49-8 |
| Chemical Formula | C₃₁H₄₀O₂ |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents and fats |
| Storage Conditions | Store in dark, sealed container at 2–8 °C, humidity <60% |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Dietary supplements
functional foods
pharmaceuticals
bone & cardiovascular health products
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Menaquinone-4 (Vitamin K2) |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient (Fat-Soluble Vitamin); Bioactive Compound |
| Key Ingredients | Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX). GGCX catalyzes the post-translational carboxylation of specific glutamate (Glu) residues into gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla). This process activates Vitamin K-dependent proteins (e.g., osteocalcin, Matrix Gla Protein), enabling them to bind calcium ions and regulate processes in bone metabolism and vascular health. |
| Application Effect in Product | Nutritional fortification of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. Supports bone health by aiding in the transport and deposition of calcium into the bone matrix. Contributes to cardiovascular health by promoting the activation of proteins that inhibit arterial calcification. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menaquinone-4 (MK-4) | Vitamin K2 Isomer | Short-chain menaquinone; very short biological half-life (1-2 hours); synthetic or animal-derived. | Identical to the form produced in animal tissues; rapidly absorbed and distributed to various tissues like the brain and pancreas. | Requires multiple daily doses to maintain stable blood levels due to its very short half-life; less efficient at raising serum vitamin K than MK-7. | Following specific high-dose protocols for bone health; applications requiring rapid, short-term tissue delivery. | To replicate specific research protocols or for targeted tissue effects rather than stable systemic levels. |
| Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) | Vitamin K2 Isomer | Long-chain menaquinone; very long biological half-life (~72 hours); typically derived from bacterial fermentation (e.g., natto). | Maintains stable blood levels with a single daily dose; highly bioactive and effective at lower doses for bone and cardiovascular support. | Slower initial distribution to extra-hepatic tissues compared to MK-4's rapid uptake. | General daily supplementation for long-term bone and cardiovascular health; maintaining consistent vitamin K2 levels. | For convenient once-daily dosing and proven efficacy in maintaining stable, long-term vitamin K2 status. |
| Phylloquinone (Vitamin K1) | Vitamin K Isomer | Plant-derived (leafy greens); primary dietary form of Vitamin K; primarily utilized by the liver. | Essential and most effective form for activating blood clotting factors in the liver; abundant in a healthy diet. | Less effective than K2 for bone and arterial health; inefficiently converted to K2 forms outside the liver. | Supporting normal blood coagulation; preventing primary vitamin K deficiency bleeding disorder. | To specifically support blood clotting function, as it is the liver's preferred form for this role. |
| MK-4 / MK-7 Combination | Blended Vitamin K2 | Formulation containing both short-acting MK-4 and long-acting MK-7. | Theoretically provides both rapid tissue saturation from MK-4 and sustained blood levels from MK-7. | The clinical benefit of combining them over using MK-7 alone is not well-established; can be more expensive. | Individuals wanting a comprehensive approach that covers both rapid and sustained K2 activity. | For a "best of both worlds" strategy, leveraging the different pharmacokinetic properties of both K2 forms. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, Technical Spec, MSDS
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Provided with shipment
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications