B

beta-Carotene

IUPAC: 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

C40H56 Organic Compounds CAS 7235-40-7
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC40H56
CAS Number7235-40-7
Molecular Weight536.9
Melting Point176-184ºC
Boiling Point633-577ºC
Density1.00 at 20 °C/20 °C
Solubility0.0006 g/l at 25ºC
AppearanceRed to brownish-red crystals or crystalline powder
Also Known As1,3,3-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; 7235-40-7; beta Carotene; beta,beta-Carotene; Betacarotene; Solatene; Carotaben; Provatene; all-trans-beta-Carotene; Serlabo
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is beta-Carotene?

Beta-carotene is a cyclic carotene obtained by dimerisation of all-trans-retinol. A strongly-coloured red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruit and the most active and important provitamin A carotenoid. It has a role as a ferroptosis inhibitor, an antioxidant, a cofactor, a biological pigment, a provitamin A, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a carotenoid beta-end derivative and a cyclic carotene.

Formula & Notation

C40H56

IUPAC Name: 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

Other Names / Synonyms: 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; 7235-40-7; beta Carotene; beta,beta-Carotene; Betacarotene; Solatene; Carotaben; Provatene; all-trans-beta-Carotene; Serlabo

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Red to brownish-red crystals or crystalline powder. Molecular formula: C40H56. Molecular weight: 536.9 g/mol. Boiling point: 633-577ºC. Melting point: 176-184ºC. Density: 1.00 at 20 °C/20 °C. Solubility: 0.0006 g/l at 25ºC. LogP: 13.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point176-184ºC
Boiling Point633-577ºC
Density1.00 at 20 °C/20 °C
Molecular Weight536.9
Solubility0.0006 g/l at 25ºC
AppearanceRed to brownish-red crystals or crystalline powder

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 beta-Carotene
Formula C40H56
CAS Number 7235-40-7
Molecular Weight 536.9
Synonyms 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; 7235-40-7; beta Carotene; beta,beta-Carotene; Betacarotene; Solatene; Carotaben; Provatene; all-trans-beta-Carotene; Serlabo

Frequently Asked Questions

Beta-carotene is a cyclic carotene obtained by dimerisation of all-trans-retinol. A strongly-coloured red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruit and the most active and important provitamin A carotenoid. It has a role as a ferroptosis inhibitor, an antioxidant, a cofactor, a biological pigment, a provitamin A, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a carotenoid beta-end derivative and a cyclic carotene.

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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.