C4582

β-Carotene

synthetic, ≥95% (HPLC), crystalline

• Synonym(s): β,β-Carotene, Provitamin A
• Empirical Formula (Hill Notation): C₄₀H₅₆
• CAS Number: 7235-40-7
• Molecular Weight: 536.87
• Beilstein: 1917416
• EC Number: 230-636-6
• MDL number: MFCD00001556
• UNSPSC Code: 12352212
• PubChem Substance ID: 24892702
• NACRES: NA.77

Properties

• biological source: synthetic
• Quality Level: 200
• Assay: ≥95% (HPLC)
• form: crystalline
• impurities: α-carotene, essentially free
• color: dark red-purple to red-brown
• mp: 178-179 °C
• solubility: hexane: soluble 100 μg/mL; DMSO: 30 μg/mL; H₂O: insoluble
• ε (extinction coefficient): 2160-2280 at 478-479 nm in hexane at 1% (vs. 2280, lit.); 2450-2590 at 450-452 nm in hexane at 1% (vs. 2590, lit.)
• storage temp.: −20°C

Description

Application

β-Carotene has been used:

• as standard for quantification of b-carotene using HPLC analysis
• as a standard for the identification and quantification of authentic standards for carotenoid groups
• for standard curve preparation in the measurement of β-carotene production
• for standard curve preparation in nutritive assays

Biochem/physiol Actions

β-Carotene (pro-vitamin A) is a member of carotenoids. This antioxidant plays a vital role in human physiology. β-Carotene is an abundant carotenoid. It is considered as a precursor of vitamin A, which is a lipid soluble antioxidant with vitamin E properties.

The most important of the provitamins A, β-carotene can be classified as an antioxidant due to its inhibition of radical initiated peroxidation in vitro. However, in vivo it appears to act either as an antioxidant or a prooxidant depending on cellular environment. It reduces the incidence of many cancers, but enhances lung cancer incidence in smokers.

The most important of the provitamins A.

Caution

Purchase minimum quantity required. Discard one month after opening.

Safety Information

• Storage Class Code: 11 - Combustible Solids
• WGK: WGK 1
• Flash Point(F): 217.9 °F - closed cup
• Flash Point(C): 103.3 °C - closed cup
• Personal Protective Equipment: dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves