β-CaroteneCAS：7235-40-7
β-Carotene – Key Product Advantages
Superior Stability: β-Carotene is recognized as one of the most stable natural pigments in nature. It remains stable within a pH range of 2–7 and is largely unaffected by reducing agents. Storage under inert atmosphere at −20 °C, protected from light and oxygen, can significantly extend shelf life.
Dual Antioxidant & Nutritional Function: It serves as a precursor to vitamin A (provitamin A), converted in the body on demand without risk of accumulation toxicity. It also exhibits antioxidant activity through singlet oxygen quenching and free radical scavenging. Vitamin A is critical for visual health and immune support.
Broad Cross-Industry Utility: Owing to its excellent safety profile and nutritional value, β-carotene is employed both as a natural colorant (E160a) and a functional fortification ingredient, delivering hues ranging from yellow to orange-red, and is widely applied in food & beverages, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
Lipophilic Nature & Non-Polar Solvent Compatibility: β-Carotene is a fat-soluble compound, practically insoluble in water but readily soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as hexane, chloroform, benzene, and acetone. Solubility reaches 0.1 g/mL in olive oil and benzene, and 4.3 g/100mL in chloroform, making it highly suitable for oil-based and lipid-rich product formulations.
β-Carotene – Product Details
β-Carotene (C₄₀H₅₆) is a naturally occurring carotenoid and a fat-soluble pigment, recognized as one of the most stable natural pigments in nature. In its pure form, it typically appears as deep red to dark red, lustrous orthorhombic hexahedral or plate-like microcrystalline crystals or crystalline powder, with a slight characteristic odor and taste.
This compound is practically insoluble in water, propylene glycol, and glycerol, sparingly soluble in methanol and ethanol, yet freely soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as chloroform, benzene, carbon disulfide, and acetone, with good solubility in vegetable oils as well—solubility reaches 0.1 g/mL in olive oil and benzene, and 4.3 g/100mL in chloroform. In solution, β-carotene exhibits an orange-yellow to yellow hue at low concentrations, progressively deepening to orange-red or dark red as concentration increases. The shade may also exhibit subtle reddish variations depending on solvent polarity.
β-Carotene is abundantly distributed in green plants (e.g., spinach, kale), yellow and orange fruits (e.g., mango, papaya), and root vegetables (e.g., carrot, sweet potato), making it one of the most ubiquitous carotenoids in nature. Valued for its potent antioxidant capacity—quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging free radicals—as well as its role as a vitamin A precursor converted on demand in the human body, it is extensively applied across food coloring, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical industries.
β-Carotene (CAS 7235-40-7) — Technical Data & Safety Profile
Table 1 – Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₄₀H₅₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 536.88 g/mol |
| Appearance | Red to purple powder |
| Melting Point | 178–179 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~644.94 °C (estimated) |
| Density | 1.000 |
| Refractive Index | ~1.5630 (estimated) |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | 103 °C |
| Vapor Pressure (25°C) | 0.004 Pa |
| Extinction Coefficient (E₁%,₁cm) | 2160–2280 (478–479 nm, hexane, 1%) ; 2450–2590 (450–452 nm, hexane, 1%) |
| Partition Coefficient (LogP) | 6.5 (40°C, pH 6.5) |
| Solubility | Soluble in hexane, DMSO, benzene, chloroform, cyclohexane; practically insoluble in water |
| Source | Synthetic |
| Storage Condition | −20 °C, tightly sealed, protected from light; store under nitrogen |
| Sensitivity & Stability | Stable, but sensitive to air, heat, and light; may ignite spontaneously in air (pyrophoric solid) |
| InChIKey | OENHQHLEOONYIE-JLTXGRSLSA-N |
| CAS Number | 7235-40-7 |
| Merck Index | 14,1853 |
| BRN | 1917416 |
Table 2 – Safety & Regulatory Information
| Parameter | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Hazard Classification | Xn (Harmful) |
| Risk Phrases (R-Phrases) | R44: Explosion risk if heated under confinement ; R36/37/38: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin ; R20/21/22: Harmful by inhalation, skin contact, and if swallowed |
| Safety Phrases (S-Phrases) | S7: Keep container tightly closed ; S15: Keep away from heat ; S18: Handle and open container with care ; S26: In case of eye contact, rinse immediately ; S36: Wear suitable protective clothing ; S24/25: Avoid contact with skin and eyes |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
| RTECS | FI0329500 |
| TSCA Listed | Yes |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 7235-40-7 |
| HS Code (Harmonized System) | 32030019 |
| F Codes | 1-8-10-16 |
| EPA Registry Name | β,β-Carotene (7235-40-7) |
