Astaxanthin
IUPAC: (6S)-6-hydroxy-3-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(4S)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxocyclohexen-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one
| Formula / Notation | C40H52O4 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 472-61-7 |
| Molecular Weight | 596.8 |
| Melting Point | 182-183 °C |
| Appearance | Solid |
| Also Known As | (6S)-6-hydroxy-3-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(4S)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxocyclohexen-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one; 472-61-7; Ovoester; all-trans-Astaxanthin; BioAstin; AstaREAL; Astaxanthine; (3S,3'S)-Astaxanthin; Carophyll Pink; 8XPW32PR7I |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenone that consists of beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione bearing two hydroxy substituents at positions 3 and 3' (the 3S,3'S diastereomer). A carotenoid pigment found mainly in animals (crustaceans, echinoderms) but also occurring in plants. It can occur free (as a red pigment), as an ester, or as a blue, brown or green chromoprotein. It has a role as an antioxidant, an anticoagulant, an animal metabolite, a plant metabolite and a food colouring. It is a carotenol and a carotenone. It derives from a hydride of a beta-carotene.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: (6S)-6-hydroxy-3-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(4S)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxocyclohexen-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one
Other Names / Synonyms: (6S)-6-hydroxy-3-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(4S)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxocyclohexen-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one; 472-61-7; Ovoester; all-trans-Astaxanthin; BioAstin; AstaREAL; Astaxanthine; (3S,3'S)-Astaxanthin; Carophyll Pink; 8XPW32PR7I
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 182-183 °C |
| Molecular Weight | 596.8 |
| Appearance | Solid |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Astaxanthin is a carotenone that consists of beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione bearing two hydroxy substituents at positions 3 and 3' (the 3S,3'S diastereomer). A carotenoid pigment found mainly in animals (crustaceans, echinoderms) but also occurring in plants. It can occur free (as a red pigment), as an ester, or as a blue, brown or green chromoprotein. It has a role as an antioxidant, an anticoagulant, an animal metabolite, a plant metabolite and a food colouring. It is a carotenol and a carotenone. It derives from a hydride of a beta-carotene.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Astaxanthin is: C40H52O4