L

Lutein

IUPAC: (1R)-4-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(1R,4R)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-ol

C40H56O2 Organic Compounds CAS 127-40-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC40H56O2
CAS Number127-40-2
Molecular Weight568.9
Melting Point196 °C
SolubilityInsoluble
AppearanceDark, yellowish brown liquid
Also Known As(1R)-4-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(1R,4R)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-ol; 127-40-2; all-trans-Lutein; Vegetable lutein; Vegetable luteol; Lutein A; trans-Lutein; Xantofyl; all-trans-Xanthophyll; FloraGLO
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Lutein?

Lutein is a carotenol. It has a role as a plant metabolite and a food colouring. It derives from a hydride of a (6'R)-beta,epsilon-carotene.

Formula & Notation

C40H56O2

IUPAC Name: (1R)-4-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(1R,4R)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-ol

Other Names / Synonyms: (1R)-4-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(1R,4R)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-ol; 127-40-2; all-trans-Lutein; Vegetable lutein; Vegetable luteol; Lutein A; trans-Lutein; Xantofyl; all-trans-Xanthophyll; FloraGLO

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Dark, yellowish brown liquid. Molecular formula: C40H56O2. Molecular weight: 568.9 g/mol. Melting point: 196 °C. Solubility: Insoluble. LogP: 11.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point196 °C
Molecular Weight568.9
SolubilityInsoluble
AppearanceDark, yellowish brown liquid

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 Lutein
Formula C40H56O2
CAS Number 127-40-2
Molecular Weight 568.9
Synonyms (1R)-4-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(1R,4R)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-ol; 127-40-2; all-trans-Lutein; Vegetable lutein; Vegetable luteol; Lutein A; trans-Lutein; Xantofyl; all-trans-Xanthophyll; FloraGLO

Frequently Asked Questions

Lutein is a carotenol. It has a role as a plant metabolite and a food colouring. It derives from a hydride of a (6'R)-beta,epsilon-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.