Beta-Carotene
CAS Number: 7235-40-7
Molecular Formula: C40H56
Molecular Weight: 536.88
Purity: 96.0%-101.1%
Appearance: Red-purple solid or liquid
Density: 0.941 ± 0.06 g/cm3
Melting point: 180-182 °C
Applications/Function:β-Carotene is an organic compound - a terpenoid, a red-orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits. As a carotene with β-rings at both ends, it is the most common form of carotene. It is a precursor (inactive form) of vitamin A. Being highly conjugated, it is deeply colored, and as a hydrocarbon lacking functional groups, it is very lipophilic.In nature, β-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A via the action of beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase. β-Carotene is also the substance in carrots that colours them orange. β-Carotenoid is biosynthesized from geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate.