Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride)

Thiamine hydrochloride is the chloride-hydrochloride salt of thiamine (vitamin B1), CAS 67-03-8, molecular formula C12H18Cl2N4OS, molecular weight 337.27. It is supplied as a white to almost white crystalline powder or colourless crystals assaying 98.0-102.0% on the anhydrous basis to USP, or 98.5-101.0% to Ph. Eur./BP, corresponding to a theoretical thiamine content of about 78.7% by weight. The salt is freely soluble in water, soluble in glycerol and only slightly soluble in ethanol (96 per cent); aqueous solutions are acidic, with the Ph. Eur. pH limit set at 2.7 to 3.3. The material is hygroscopic and light-sensitive, and is packed in lined, non-metallic containers accordingly. Thiamine is the precursor of thiamine diphosphate, the coenzyme of pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and transketolase, which is why it is specified in formulations addressing carbohydrate and energy metabolism. The hydrochloride is the form buyers select for water-based systems: oral solutions and syrups, effervescent tablets and granules, sachets and instant drink powders, parenteral and infusion products, fortified beverages, and cell-culture and fermentation media. In the United States it is affirmed GRAS as a direct food ingredient under 21 CFR 184.1875; in the EU it is listed in Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC as a permitted vitamin B1 source for food supplements, and it is authorised as feed additive 3a820 for all animal species. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis covering identification, assay, loss on drying, residue on ignition or sulphated ash, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiological limits, together with MSDS, non-GMO, allergen, BSE/TSE and, on request, halal and kosher statements. Standard fine crystalline powder is held in stock; micronised and coarse low-dust grades are produced against firm order. Documentation for regulated markets, including CEP or DMF reference where the source plant holds one, is arranged on enquiry.