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.
[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
off-white crystalline solid
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.
Used in prevention and treatment of vitamin E deficiencies.
(+)-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)
ChEBI: Alpha-Tocopherol acetate is a tocol.
Odorless off-white crystals. Darkens at 401° F.
D-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to light and air. . Insoluble in water.
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.
Flash point data for D-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate are not available. D-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate is probably combustible.
Tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate are used mainly as
antioxidants. Tocopheryl acetate, an ester of tocopherol
(vitamin E), can induce allergic contact dermatitis.
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.
When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes.
