Vitamins
REACH
Beta Carotene
CAS Number
7235-40-7
EC Number
230-636-6
E Number
E160a
What is Beta Carotene?
Beta Carotene (CAS 7235-40-7), also known by its E number E160a, is a natural pigment and provitamin A precursor sourced from both synthetic and natural origins.
Where is Beta Carotene used?
- Food and beverage: colors margarine, dairy products, juices, and baked goods to consistent orange-yellow hues
- Supplements and pharmaceuticals: provitamin A source in softgels, tablets, and fortified nutritional products
- Personal care: pigmentation and antioxidant protection in skin creams, self-tanning formulations, and color cosmetics
- It also functions as an antioxidant to extend product shelf life in various formulations.
Commercial specifications
- Natural and synthetic variants
Other Names (Synonyms)
β-carotene|1,3,3-trimethyl-2-[(1e,3e,5e,7e,9e,11e,13e,15e,17e)-3,7,12,16-tetramethyl-18-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)octadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]cyclohexene|beta-carotene
What are the physical properties of Beta Carotene?
Melting Point 183 °C
Boiling Point 654.7 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density 1.00 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 103 °C
Appearance solid
Color red to purple
Form powder
Water Solubility Soluble in hexane, dimethyl sulfoxide, benzene, chloroform, cyclohexane. Insoluble in water.
Vapor Pressure 0.004Pa at 25℃
Refractive Index 1.5630 (estimate)
Log P 6.5 at 40℃ and pH6.5
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Beta Carotene?
HS Code 29362100
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 1