Description
D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate is a natural form of vitamin E and it is stable in terms of shelf life. It is probably the best form for people actively trying to prevent heart disease. It is used in the dietary and clinical supplementations.
References
[1] Jack Challem, User’s Guide to Nutritional Supplements, 2003
[2] M. K. Horwitt, Relative biological values of d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate in man, The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, 1980, vol. 33, 1856-1860
Chemical Properties
off-white crystalline solid
Uses
α-Tocopherol acetate is the most bioactive of the naturally occurring forms of Vitamin E. Richest sources are green vegetables, grains, and oils, particularly palm, safflower and sunflower oils.
Uses
Used in prevention and treatment of vitamin E deficiencies.
Uses
(+)-α-Tocopherol acetate has been used:
- as a component of growth medium for retinal cell lines
- as an external standard in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to study its composition in leafy vegetables
- in the preparation of trans-resveratrol-encapsulated lipid nanocarriers (R-nano)
Definition
ChEBI: Alpha-Tocopherol acetate is a tocol.
General Description
Odorless off-white crystals. Darkens at 401° F.
Air & Water Reactions
D-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to light and air. . Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
An ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for D-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate are not available. D-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate is probably combustible.
Contact allergens
Tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate are used mainly as
antioxidants. Tocopheryl acetate, an ester of tocopherol
(vitamin E), can induce allergic contact dermatitis.
Biochem/physiol Actions
α-Tocopherol acetate or vitamin E-acetate has antioxidant properties and reduces lipid peroxidation. However, vitamin E acetate on pyrolysis leads to the generation of carcinogens like alkenes and benzenes.
Safety Profile
When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes.
