DL-alpha-tocopherol

DL-alpha-tocopherol (CAS 10191-41-0), also known as Vitamin E, is the synthetic racemic form of alpha-tocopherol produced through chemical synthesis rather than natural extraction. It functions as an antioxidant and stabilizer across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications, protecting sensitive materials from oxidative degradation during storage and processing.

In food and nutritional products, it prevents rancidity in oils, fats, and fortified foods, and serves as a source of Vitamin E activity in dietary supplements and functional foods. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as both an active ingredient and an excipient in soft gel capsules, emulsions, and topical formulations where oxidative stability is critical for the product.

In personal care, it protects lipid-based ingredients in creams, serums, and hair care products from oxidation while supporting shelf-life extension and maintaining formulation integrity over time. Plastics and polymer processors incorporate it as an antioxidant stabilizer in polyolefin compounds, and feed manufacturers use it for Vitamin E supplementation in animal nutrition programs.

DL-alpha-tocopherol is supplied as a viscous amber oil in bulk drums or intermediate bulk containers. Standard grades include food-grade (FCC), USP, and Ph. Eur. specifications. Potency is typically expressed in IU/g or mg/g. Technical-grade material is also available for polymer and industrial stabilization applications requiring high-performance antioxidant properties.