A

alpha-Tocopherol

IUPAC: (2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol

C29H50O2 Organic Compounds CAS 1406-18-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC29H50O2
CAS Number1406-18-4
Molecular Weight430.7
Melting Point3 °C
Boiling PointBP: 210 °C at 0.1 mm Hg
Density0.950 g/cu cm at 25 de C
SolubilityInsoluble in water, but water-dispersible.
AppearanceSlightly yellow to amber, nearly odourless, clear, viscous oil which oxidises and darkens on exposure to air or light
Also Known As(2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol; VITAMIN E; 5,7,8-Trimethyltocol; Vitamin-E; 1406-18-4; Vitamin e d-alpha; Tocopherol, d-alpha-; J24.260H; INS NO.307A; INS-307A
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is alpha-Tocopherol?

(R,R,R)-alpha-tocopherol is an alpha-tocopherol that has R,R,R configuration. The naturally occurring stereoisomer of alpha-tocopherol, it is found particularly in sunflower and olive oils. It has a role as an antioxidant, an antiviral agent, a micronutrient, an EC 2.7.11.13 (protein kinase C) inhibitor, an anticoagulant, a nutraceutical, an immunomodulator, an antiatherogenic agent, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is an enantiomer of a (S,S,S)-alpha-tocopherol.

Formula & Notation

C29H50O2

IUPAC Name: (2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: (2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol; VITAMIN E; 5,7,8-Trimethyltocol; Vitamin-E; 1406-18-4; Vitamin e d-alpha; Tocopherol, d-alpha-; J24.260H; INS NO.307A; INS-307A

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Slightly yellow to amber, nearly odourless, clear, viscous oil which oxidises and darkens on exposure to air or light. Molecular formula: C29H50O2. Molecular weight: 430.7 g/mol. Boiling point: BP: 210 °C at 0.1 mm Hg. Melting point: 3 °C. Density: 0.950 g/cu cm at 25 de C. Solubility: Insoluble in water, but water-dispersible.. Vapor pressure: 0.00000001 [mmHg]. LogP: 10.7.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point3 °C
Boiling PointBP: 210 °C at 0.1 mm Hg
Density0.950 g/cu cm at 25 de C
Molecular Weight430.7
SolubilityInsoluble in water, but water-dispersible.
AppearanceSlightly yellow to amber, nearly odourless, clear, viscous oil which oxidises and darkens on exposure to air or light

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term alpha-Tocopherol
Formula C29H50O2
CAS Number 1406-18-4
Molecular Weight 430.7
Synonyms (2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol; VITAMIN E; 5,7,8-Trimethyltocol; Vitamin-E; 1406-18-4; Vitamin e d-alpha; Tocopherol, d-alpha-; J24.260H; INS NO.307A; INS-307A

Frequently Asked Questions

(R,R,R)-alpha-tocopherol is an alpha-tocopherol that has R,R,R configuration. The naturally occurring stereoisomer of alpha-tocopherol, it is found particularly in sunflower and olive oils. It has a role as an antioxidant, an antiviral agent, a micronutrient, an EC 2.7.11.13 (protein kinase C) inhibitor, an anticoagulant, a nutraceutical, an immunomodulator, an antiatherogenic agent, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is an enantiomer of a (S,S,S)-alpha-tocopherol.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.