Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Vitamin E Acetate

Name: Vitamin E Acetate (DL-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate)
Brand: Chelora Pharmachem
SKU: CAS-7695-91-2
Availability: InStock

DL-alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate

CAS 7695-91-2 · C₃₁H₅₂O₃ · MW 472.74

A stable, esterified form of Vitamin E for soft gels, skincare, food fortification and feed premixes. Chelora supplies pharmacopoeia-grade DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate — IP, BP and USP — nitrogen-blanketed with certificate of analysis and complete documentation on every batch.

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IP / BP / USP grades
Non-hazardous transport
Nitrogen-blanketed drums

≥ 96 %

GC assay purity

CAS number

7695-91-2

Refractive index

1.494 – 1.499

Pharmacopoeia

IP · BP · USP

Transport

Non-DG

Product overview

The stabilised form of the antioxidant vitamin

Vitamin E acetate (DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) is the acetyl ester of DL-alpha-tocopherol — the most biologically active form of Vitamin E. Esterification of the free phenolic hydroxyl group with acetic acid produces a compound that is far more resistant to oxidation, heat and light than free tocopherol, making it the preferred form for supplements, cosmetics and food-fortification applications where long shelf life matters.

The DL- (all-rac) designation indicates that this is the synthetic racemic form, containing all eight possible stereoisomers of alpha-tocopherol in equal proportions. It is produced industrially by condensation of trimethylhydroquinone with isophytol, followed by acetylation. The natural form — D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (RRR) — has approximately 1.36 times the biological activity per milligram, but the synthetic DL- form dominates the global market on the basis of cost-effectiveness and reliable large-scale supply.

Upon ingestion, pancreatic esterases and intestinal mucosal enzymes hydrolyse the acetate ester to release free alpha-tocopherol, which is absorbed via chylomicrons and transported in the bloodstream bound to lipoproteins. In the body, Vitamin E functions as the primary lipid-soluble chain-breaking antioxidant, protecting cell membranes, lipoproteins and tissue lipids from peroxidative damage.

In topical cosmetic formulations, Vitamin E acetate penetrates the stratum corneum and is hydrolysed by skin esterases to free tocopherol, which scavenges UV-generated free radicals, reduces trans-epidermal water loss and supports barrier repair. It is one of the most widely used antioxidant actives in the global skincare market.

Technical specifications

IUPAC nameDL-2,5,7,8-Tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl acetate

SynonymsDL-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate, Vitamin E acetate, all-rac-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate

CAS number7695-91-2

Molecular formulaC₃₁H₅₂O₃

Molecular weight472.74 g/mol

AppearancePale yellow to yellow viscous oily liquid

Solubility in waterPractically insoluble

Solubility in organic solventsFreely soluble in ethanol, chloroform, diethyl ether and vegetable oils

Purity (assay, GC)≥ 96.0 %

Specific rotation [α]D²⁰0° ± 0.05° (DL-racemic)

Acid value≤ 2.0

Refractive index (20 °C)1.494 – 1.499

Density (20 °C)0.952 – 0.966 g/mL

Peroxide value≤ 5.0 meq/kg

Heavy metals (as Pb)≤ 10 ppm

Residue on ignition≤ 0.1 %

Colour (Gardner scale)≤ 4

StorageUnder nitrogen; cool, dry place; protect from light; 8 – 15 °C recommended

TransportNot classified as dangerous goods (Non-DG)

Applications & end uses

Industries that depend on Vitamin E Acetate

Vitamin E supplement (soft gels, tablets, multivitamins)

DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate is the most widely used form of Vitamin E in oral supplements. Its ester bond protects the tocopherol from oxidation during manufacture and storage, while gastric and intestinal esterases release active tocopherol upon ingestion. Available as soft gel fill, tablet granulation or liquid drops.

Cosmetic antioxidant & moisturiser

In skincare and anti-ageing formulations, Vitamin E acetate acts as a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals from UV exposure and environmental stress. It also functions as a moisturiser and skin-conditioning agent in serums, lotions, lip balms and sunscreens.

Food fortification & antioxidant

As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin E acetate is added to edible oils, margarine, dairy products and beverages to retard lipid oxidation and extend shelf life while boosting the nutritional profile. Its stability in oily matrices makes it preferred over free tocopherol for fortification.

Animal nutrition (poultry, aquaculture feed premixes)

Feed-grade Vitamin E acetate (including 50 % powder on silica carrier) is a standard additive in poultry, swine and aquaculture premixes. It supports immune function, reproduction, meat quality and oxidative stability of animal products.

Pharmaceutical excipient (oily vehicle, antioxidant)

In pharmaceutical formulations, Vitamin E acetate serves dual functions as an oily vehicle for lipophilic drugs in soft-gel capsules and as an antioxidant excipient that protects oxidation-sensitive APIs during shelf life.

Nutraceutical capsule fill

Nutraceutical manufacturers use Vitamin E acetate as a standalone capsule fill or as a carrier oil for co-encapsulated fat-soluble nutrients (Vitamin D, Vitamin K, CoQ10, omega-3 concentrates), leveraging its antioxidant protection and oily matrix.

Available grades

Pharma, food and feed grades

≥ 96 %

Pharma grade (IP/BP/USP)

Soft gels, tablets, injectable vehicles

≥ 95 %

Food grade

Edible oil fortification, margarine, beverages

50 % powder

Feed / premix grade

Poultry, aquaculture and livestock premixes (silica carrier)

iDL- (synthetic) vs D-alpha (natural)

Our standard supply is DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (all-rac, synthetic), which contains all eight stereoisomers. The natural form — D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (RRR) — has approximately 1.36× the biological activity per milligram but commands a significant price premium. For most high-volume supplement, food and feed applications, the DL- form offers the best balance of cost and efficacy. D-alpha grades are available on request.

Packaging options

Nitrogen-blanketed and sealed for stability

25 kg — Closed-head steel drum, nitrogen-blanketed

Standard pharmaceutical unit; inert headspace prevents oxidation

190 kg — Closed-head steel drum, nitrogen-blanketed

Bulk supply for large-scale encapsulation and formulation

Sample — Amber glass bottle, nitrogen-purged

QC evaluation before bulk commitment

Documentation supplied

Complete paperwork for QC and regulatory

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Batch-specific results for GC assay, acid value, refractive index, specific rotation, peroxide value, heavy metals and colour.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

GHS-format, 16-section SDS covering handling, storage, first aid and disposal.

Specification sheet

Limit values for each test parameter aligned to IP, BP or USP monograph.

Pharmacopoeia compliance statement

Confirmation of monograph compliance (IP/BP/USP) where applicable.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Vitamin E Acetate

What is the difference between DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate?+

DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (all-rac) is the synthetic racemic form containing eight stereoisomers in equal proportions. D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (RRR) is the natural form extracted from vegetable oils, with roughly 1.36× the biological activity per milligram. Our standard supply is the DL- (synthetic) form, which is more cost-effective for high-volume supplement, food and feed applications. D-alpha grades are available on request.

Why is Vitamin E Acetate supplied under nitrogen?+

Although the acetate ester is far more oxidation-resistant than free tocopherol, prolonged exposure to air at elevated temperatures can still degrade the product over time. Nitrogen blanketing displaces oxygen in the drum headspace, preserving assay and colour throughout the shelf life. We recommend storing at 8 – 15 °C in the original sealed container.

Which pharmacopoeia grades does Chelora supply?+

We supply Vitamin E acetate meeting Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP) and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications. Each batch ships with a COA confirming GC assay, acid value, refractive index, specific rotation and peroxide value against the relevant monograph.

Can Vitamin E Acetate be used in cosmetic formulations?+

Yes. Vitamin E acetate is widely used in skincare serums, moisturisers, sunscreens and lip care products at typical concentrations of 0.5 – 5 %. It is more stable than free tocopherol in emulsion systems and is hydrolysed to active tocopherol by skin esterases after topical application.

What is the typical lead time for a bulk order?+

Standard lead time is 5 – 10 working days for domestic orders and 10 – 14 days for export, depending on grade, volume and container availability. We maintain stock of pharma and food grades and can often expedite for urgent requirements.

Do you offer the 50 % powder (feed-grade) form?+

Yes. Our feed/premix grade is a 50 % Vitamin E acetate powder adsorbed onto a silica carrier, designed for homogeneous blending into dry feed premixes. It offers better flowability and mixability than the neat oily liquid in feed-mill applications.