Quick Facts
| CAS Number | 137-08-6 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C9H17NO5·1/2Ca |
| Molecular Weight | 476.53 |
| Pharmacopoeia | USP/USP-NF/IN HOUSE |
| Packaging | 25 KG/DRUM |
Product Overview
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) was discovered in 1933 by Roger J. Williams at the University of Texas, who isolated it from yeast as a growth factor essential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Williams named it from the Greek "pantothen" — meaning "from everywhere" — after observing it was present in virtually all living tissues. The full structure was elucidated by 1940, and the central role of pantothenic acid as the precursor to Coenzyme A (CoA) was established by Fritz Lipmann in 1947, work that earned him the 1953 Nobel Prize.
D-Calcium Pantothenate is the stable calcium salt of pantothenic acid, and the standard commercial form of Vitamin B5. Free pantothenic acid is an unstable hygroscopic oil; the calcium salt crystallizes as a white, free-flowing powder with excellent stability and water solubility. Critically, only the D-isomer is biologically active — the L-isomer is not utilized by any known organism. Commercial D-calcium pantothenate is exclusively the D-enantiomer, confirmed by specific optical rotation testing (+25 to +27.5 degrees).
As the sole precursor to Coenzyme A, pantothenic acid occupies a uniquely central position in metabolism. CoA activates acyl groups for transfer in over 100 enzymatic reactions: the formation of acetyl-CoA from pyruvate (connecting glycolysis to the Krebs cycle), fatty acid transport into mitochondria for beta-oxidation, the synthesis of steroid hormones and acetylcholine, and heme biosynthesis for hemoglobin. No organism — from bacteria to humans — can survive without a functional CoA pathway. This universality explains pantothenic acid's broad application: from human nutrition to animal feed, from pharmaceutical formulations to microbial fermentation media.
As of mid-2026, the global D-calcium pantothenate market is driven by growing B-complex supplement consumption, expanding animal feed production (especially poultry and swine in Southeast Asia), and increasing use in cosmetic and personal care products. China and India are the dominant API producers, with key intermediate manufacturing — particularly beta-alanine and pantolactone — concentrated in Chinese chemical parks. KingWish supplies USP/USP-NF-grade D-calcium pantothenate manufactured under GMP conditions, supporting formulators in over 100 countries across nutritional, pharmaceutical, and feed applications.
Quality Specifications
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0-101.0% (dried basis), per USP/USP-NF monograph |
|---|---|
| Specific Optical Rotation | +25.0° to +27.5° (20°C, dried basis, 5% in water) |
| Calcium Content | 8.2-8.6% (USP) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 ppm (USP) |
| GMP Status | Manufactured under ICH Q7 GMP conditions |
Applications
- B-Complex Supplements: Core component in comprehensive B-vitamin formulations for energy and metabolism support
- Multivitamin Formulations: Essential nutrient in daily multivitamin tablets, capsules, and gummies for all age groups
- Sports Nutrition: Energy metabolism support in pre-workout formulas, recovery supplements, and protein blends
- Animal Feed Premix: Nutritional fortification in poultry, swine, aquaculture, and companion animal complete feed
- Cosmetic and Personal Care: Moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredient in hair care, skincare, and cosmetic formulations
Sourcing D-Calcium Pantothenate: Key Checks
Documentation
Request CoA with HPLC assay, specific optical rotation (+25° to +27.5°), calcium content (8.2-8.6%), and loss on drying. The optical rotation test is critical — it confirms D-isomer stereochemical purity. For feed applications, confirm compliance with feed-grade specifications. DrugBank reference
Red Flags
Specific rotation outside +25° to +27.5° range (indicates racemization or L-isomer contamination), calcium content outside 8.2-8.6% (wrong stoichiometry), elevated loss on drying (>5.0%), prices significantly below market due to non-stereoselective synthesis.
Packaging & Logistics
Standard: 25 KG/DRUM with PE liner. Store at room temperature (15-25 degrees C), protected from moisture. D-calcium pantothenate is hygroscopic — ensure container seals are intact. Shelf life typically 24-36 months. Custom packaging available.
Market Context
The D-calcium pantothenate market has experienced notable price volatility driven by intermediate supply disruptions — particularly beta-alanine and pantolactone bottlenecks in Chinese chemical parks. Major producers are concentrated in China and India. Periodic environmental inspections in key manufacturing provinces can tighten supply for 2-4 months. Dual-source qualification is standard risk management practice.