Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate)

Alpha-tocopheryl acetate is the acetate ester of alpha-tocopherol and the most widely traded commercial form of vitamin E. Esterification of the phenolic hydroxyl group makes the molecule considerably more stable to air and light than free tocopherol, which is why it is the preferred form for tablets, capsules, premixes and fortified foods where shelf stability matters. Thovek supplies both the synthetic all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (CAS 7695-91-2) and the natural-source RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (CAS 58-95-7). Both share the molecular formula C31H52O3 with a molecular weight of 472.74, and both are assayed to the compendial range of 96.0 to 102.0 per cent under USP, Ph. Eur. and FCC. Potency differs by stereochemistry: all-rac material is rated at 1000 IU per gram, while RRR material is rated at approximately 1360 IU per gram, and buyers should specify which basis their formulation is costed against. The oil grades are clear, slightly greenish-yellow to yellow viscous liquids, practically insoluble in water and freely soluble in acetone, anhydrous ethanol and vegetable oils, with a refractive index of 1.4950 to 1.4972 at 20 C. For dry applications we supply spray-dried powder grades, most commonly 50 per cent (500 IU per gram) dispersed in a matrix of modified food starch or dried glucose with silicon dioxide as a flow aid. These powders are white to slightly yellowish and free-flowing, typically passing 100 per cent through a 40 mesh US sieve with not less than 90 per cent through 60 mesh, and are formulated to disperse in cold water for beverage powders, flour and bakery fortification and dry vitamin premixes. Vitamin E functions in the body as a fat-soluble, chain-breaking antioxidant that protects polyunsaturated lipids in cell membranes from oxidation; in formulation it is used both as a declared nutrient and, in the free tocopherol form, as an oil-phase antioxidant. Every lot is released against a certificate of analysis covering identity by infrared and thin-layer chromatography, assay by chromatography or titration, refractive index, relative density, appearance and, for powder grades, sieve analysis and water content. Elemental impurities including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury are controlled to compendial and FCC limits, with microbiological testing on powder grades. Material is nitrogen-blanketed at filling and shipped with MSDS, allergen, GMO, BSE/TSE and kosher or halal statements as required by the destination market. Documentation support for EU, US, GCC and ASEAN import files is provided as standard.