| CAS No.: | 7235-40-7 |
| Molecular Weight: | 536.87 g/mol |
| Chemical Formula | C40H56 |
Beta-Carotene or β-carotene is the most common form of carotene in plants. When used as a food coloring, it has the E number E160a. Beta-carotene is a provitamin. This means it's used by your body to make vitamin A.
General Properties and Specifications of Beta-Carotene or β-Carotene:
Appearance: Orange red crystalline powder.
Solubility of 1% solution in Chloroform: Clear
Assay: as agreed.
Melting Point: 178C to 184C.
Relative Density: around 1 @ 20C.
Solubility: Insoluble in water.
Storage: -20C. Protect from light.
Beta Carotene USP Grade Specifications:
C40H56 -- 536.87
β,β-Carotene;
all-trans-β-Carotene;
(all-E)-1,1′-(3,7,12,16-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-octadecanonaene-1,18-diyl)bis[2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexene] CAS 7235-40-7
UNII: 01YAE03M7J
DEFINITION
Beta Carotene contains NLT 96.0% and NMT 101.0% of total carotenoids calculated as beta carotene (C40H56). It contains NLT 95% of all-trans-beta carotene in the total carotenoids content.
IDENTIFICATION
A.
Sample solution: Prepare as directed in the Sample solution in the test for Content of Total Carotenoids.
Analysis: Record the UV-Vis spectrum from 300–600 nm.
Acceptance criteria: The Sample solution shows a shoulder at about 427 nm, an absorption maximum at about 455 nm, and another maximum at about 483 nm. The absorbance ratio A455/A483 is between 1.14 and 1.18.
B. The retention time of the major peak of the Sample solution corresponds to that of the Standard solution, as obtained in the test for Content of Beta Carotene.
Content of Total Carotenoids: 96.0%–101.0% of total carotenoids as beta carotene (C40H56).
Content of Beta Carotene: NLT 95% of all-trans-beta carotene in the total carotenoids content.
Alpha Carotene and Other Related Compounds:
Alpha carotene: NMT 1.0%
Total related compounds (including alpha carotene): NMT 5%
Residue on Ignition: NMT 0.2%, 2 g of specimen being used.
Loss on Drying: Dry under vacuum over phosphorus pentoxide at 40C for 4 h. Acceptance criteria: NMT 0.2%
Betacarotene BP Ph Eur Grade Specifications:
C40H56 --- 536.9 --- CAS 7235-40-7
Action and use: Precursor of vitamin A.
DEFINITION
(all-E)-3,7,12,16-Tetramethyl-1,18-bis(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)octadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaene.
Content: 96.0 per cent to 101.0 per cent (dried substance).
CHARACTERS
Appearance: Brown-red or brownish-red, crystalline powder.
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, slightly soluble in cyclohexane, practically insoluble in anhydrous ethanol.
It is sensitive to air, heat and light, especially in solution.
Carry out all operations as rapidly as possible avoiding exposure to actinic light; use freshly prepared solutions.
IDENTIFICATION
Ultraviolet and visible absorption spectrophotometry.
Test solution (a) Dissolve 50.0 mg in 10 mL of chloroform and dilute immediately to 100.0 mL with cyclohexane. Dilute 5.0 mL of this solution to 100.0 mL with cyclohexane.
Test solution (b) Dilute 5.0 mL of test solution (a) to 50.0 mL with cyclohexane.
Absorption maximum at 455 nm for test solution (b).
Absorbance ratio A455/A483 = 1.14 to 1.18 for test solution (b).
TESTS
Related substances: To pass the test.
Loss on drying: Maximum 0.2 per cent, determined on 1g by drying in vacuo over diphosphorus pentoxide at 40C for 4 h.
Sulfated ash: Maximum 0.2 per cent, determined on 1.0 g, moistened with a mixture of 2 mL of dilute sulfuric acid and 5 mL of ethanol (96 per cent).
Storage: In an airtight container, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25C.
Carotene FCC Food Grade Specifications:
Carotene
C40H56 -- Formula weight 536.88
INS: 160a(ii) CAS: 7235-40-7
DESCRIPTION
Beta-Carotene occurs as red crystals or as crystalline powder. It is insoluble in water and in acids and alkalies but is soluble in carbon disulfide and in chloroform. It is sparingly soluble in ether, in solvent hexane, and in vegetable oils, and is practically insoluble in methanol and in ethanol. It melts between 176C and 182C, with decomposition.
Function: Nutrient; color.
REQUIREMENTS
Identification:
A. Determine the absorbance of Sample Solution B (prepared for the Assay) at 455 nm and at 483 nm. The ratio A455/A483 is between 1.14 and 1.18.
B. Determine the absorbance of Sample Solution B at 455 nm and that of Sample Solution A at 340 nm. The ratio A455/A340 is not lower than 1.5.
