Vitamin E
Vitamins
Nutritional Enhancers
Antioxidants
2074-53-5
E306
C₂₉H₅₀O₂
$39.04 ~ $58.56
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:20kg/carton 20kg/barrel 5kg/barrel 25kg/bag
One unit of:20kg/carton 20kg/barrel 5kg/barrel 25kg/bag
20kg/carton
20kg/barrel
5kg/barrel
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds (tocopherols and tocotrienols) widely used in the food industry as a powerful antioxidant to prevent lipid oxidation and rancidity, and is commonly utilized in dietary supplements for its nutritional benefits.
How is Vitamin E made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Intake | Receive and qualify key raw materials: trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ) and isophytol. | Purity and identity of starting materials are critical for reaction yield and final product safety. Verified via methods like Gas Chromatography (GC). Materials are stored under controlled conditions to prevent degradation. |
| 2 | Synthesis (Condensation) | React TMHQ and isophytol in a glass-lined reactor. The reaction is facilitated by an acid catalyst (e.g., zinc chloride, boric acid) and a solvent under heat. | Strict temperature control (e.g., 120-130°C) is essential to maximize the formation of crude tocopherol and minimize side reactions. The reaction is monitored via in-process sampling until completion. |
| 3 | Washing & Neutralization | Cool the reaction mixture and wash it with water. This process removes the acid catalyst and other water-soluble impurities. The organic and aqueous layers are then separated. | The pH must be carefully monitored during neutralization. Inefficient separation can lead to product loss or carryover of impurities into the next stage, impacting final purity. |
| 4 | Solvent Recovery | Remove the reaction solvent and any low-boiling unreacted materials from the crude tocopherol oil using vacuum distillation. | The vacuum level and temperature profile are precisely managed. This step concentrates the crude Vitamin E and prevents thermal degradation of the heat-sensitive molecule. |
| 5 | Esterification (for Acetate form) | React the purified tocopherol with acetic anhydride to convert it into the more stable dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E Acetate). | This is a crucial step for producing a stable, oxidation-resistant form used in supplements and cosmetics. The reaction must be driven to near-total completion to meet product specifications. |
| 6 | Final Purification | Purify the crude Vitamin E (or its acetate form) using high-vacuum molecular distillation. | This is the key final purification step that removes colored impurities, byproducts, and any remaining reactants. It yields a highly pure, clear, and viscous oil meeting pharmacopeia standards (e.g., >96% purity). |
| 7 | Standardization & Formulation | Analyze the pure oil for potency (International Units, IU/g). Dilute with a food-grade carrier oil (e.g., sunflower or soybean oil) to achieve the target concentration. Alternatively, it can be spray-dried onto a carrier for a powder form. | Accurate potency testing (via HPLC) is essential before blending. The blending process must ensure complete homogeneity for consistent product quality. |
| 8 | Quality Control & Packaging | Conduct final comprehensive testing for identity, purity, potency, heavy metals, and microbiology. Package the final product into sealed, opaque containers under a nitrogen atmosphere. | The product must comply with all FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) or USP (United States Pharmacopeia) specifications. Packaging must protect the Vitamin E from oxidation by light and air. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 2074-53-5 |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₉H₅₀O₂ |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in lipids and organic solvents |
| Storage Conditions | Protect from light, store ≤25 °C |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Dietary supplements
pharmaceuticals
cosmetics
food fortification
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Antioxidant; Nutrient Fortification Agent; Color Stabilizer. |
| Key Ingredients | Tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta); Tocotrienols. Commonly used as mixed tocopherols or alpha-tocopheryl acetate for stability. |
| Mechanism of Action | Functions as a chain-breaking, lipid-soluble antioxidant. The phenolic hydroxyl group on the chromanol ring donates a hydrogen atom to lipid peroxyl free radicals (ROO•), terminating the auto-oxidation chain reaction. This converts the free radical into a stable hydroperoxide and forms a stable, non-reactive tocopheroxyl radical, preventing further propagation of lipid oxidation. |
| Application Effect in Product | Prevents oxidative degradation of fats and oils, delaying the onset of rancidity, off-flavors, and off-odors. Protects fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., Vitamin A) and color pigments from oxidation. Extends the shelf life of high-fat foods, dressings, cereals, and processed meats. Provides nutritional enrichment (fortification) in various food matrices. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E | Fat-Soluble Antioxidant Vitamin | Protects cell membranes from oxidative stress; exists in multiple forms (tocopherols, tocotrienols). | Specializes in protecting lipids and fats; works synergistically with Vitamin C to regenerate antioxidant capacity. | High doses can interfere with blood clotting and Vitamin K function; less effective in water-based environments. | Protecting skin from UV damage, supporting cardiovascular health by preventing lipid oxidation, immune support. | For targeted protection of cell membranes and fatty tissues, especially where oxidative stress on lipids is a concern. |
| Vitamin C | Water-Soluble Antioxidant Vitamin | Ascorbic acid; essential for collagen synthesis and immune function; regenerates other antioxidants. | Acts in aqueous environments (blood, cytoplasm); regenerates Vitamin E; broad role in immunity and tissue repair. | Not stored in the body, requiring regular intake; does not directly protect fatty cell membranes. | General immune system support, wound healing, reducing severity of common colds, improving iron absorption. | For broad-spectrum antioxidant protection in watery parts of the body and for direct immune and collagen support. |
| Vitamin A (as Beta-Carotene) | Fat-Soluble Provitamin Antioxidant | A precursor to retinol; important for vision, cell differentiation, and immune function. | Essential for eye health and night vision; body converts it to Vitamin A as needed, reducing toxicity risk. | Less potent as a direct antioxidant compared to Vitamin E or C; high doses can cause harmless skin yellowing. | Supporting vision and eye health, maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes, immune function. | When the primary goal is supporting vision and getting a safer, convertible form of Vitamin A. |
| Selenium | Antioxidant Trace Mineral | A crucial component of the powerful antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. | Enables the body's primary endogenous antioxidant defense system; vital for thyroid hormone metabolism. | Acts as a cofactor, not a direct scavenger; has a narrow safe dosage range, with toxicity at high levels. | Supporting thyroid function, boosting the body's master antioxidant enzyme system, reproductive health. | To enhance the body's own powerful antioxidant defenses and for specific thyroid support. |
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) | Fat-Soluble Antioxidant Compound | Vital for cellular energy (ATP) production in mitochondria; also functions as an antioxidant. | Dual role in energy production and antioxidant defense, especially in high-energy organs like the heart. | Body's natural production declines with age; supplementation can be more expensive than simple vitamins. | Supporting cardiovascular health, improving cellular energy, mitigating statin side effects. | For targeted support of heart health and cellular energy, particularly for older adults or those on statins. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
CoA, Spec Sheet
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications