Quick Facts
| CAS Number | 7695-91-2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C31H52O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 472.74 |
| Pharmacopoeia | EP/USP/BP/FCC |
| Packaging | 25 KG/DRUM |
Product Overview
Vitamin E Oil 98% is the highest-potency commercial presentation of Vitamin E as all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate — a clear, pale yellow, viscous oil containing a minimum 98% active ingredient with minimal carrier or diluent. This premium-grade product is the standard starting material for softgel capsule manufacturing (the dominant Vitamin E dosage form globally), high-potency oil-based dietary supplements, pharmaceutical oil formulations, and premium cosmetic products requiring maximum Vitamin E concentration.
The acetate ester form is a deliberate chemical design feature, not a formulation compromise. Free alpha-tocopherol has an exposed phenolic hydroxyl group — the very chemical moiety responsible for its antioxidant function — which also makes it rapidly oxidize on exposure to air, light, and heat. Acetylation of this hydroxyl creates an oxidation-resistant prodrug: the acetate ester is stable for years under ambient storage conditions, yet intestinal esterases efficiently cleave it after oral ingestion to release fully active free tocopherol. This prodrug strategy is the reason Vitamin E softgels maintain labeled potency through 36 months of shelf life while free tocopherol formulations degrade within months.
The 98% minimum potency specification places this product in a distinct quality tier above standard commercial grades (typically 95-97%). Achieving 98%+ purity requires optimized distillation and molecular purification steps following the condensation of trimethylhydroquinone with isophytol. Meeting EP/USP/BP/FCC specifications simultaneously — a rare combination — confirms the product's suitability across pharmaceutical (EP, USP, BP) and food (FCC) regulatory frameworks, enabling a single qualified material to serve multiple end-use markets.
As of mid-2026, the global Vitamin E oil market is dominated by softgel capsule production, which accounts for approximately 70% of high-potency oil demand. The remaining demand comes from cosmetic formulations (15%), pharmaceutical preparations (10%), and direct oil-based supplements (5%). China's Zhejiang province remains the global manufacturing hub, with supply dynamics tied to intermediate availability — particularly isophytol and trimethylhydroquinone. KingWish supplies EP/USP/BP/FCC-certified Vitamin E Oil 98% supporting softgel manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, and pharmaceutical companies in over 100 countries.
Quality Specifications
| Assay (GC/HPLC) | ≥ 98.0% as all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (USP/EP/BP) |
|---|---|
| Acidity | ≤ 0.5 mL 0.1N NaOH per g (free acetic acid from ester hydrolysis) |
| Refractive Index | 1.494-1.498 at 20°C (identity and purity) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.952-0.966 at 20°C |
| Absorbance (UV) | E 1%/1cm = 41-45 at 284 nm in ethanol |
| GMP Status | Manufactured under ICH Q7 GMP conditions |
Applications
- Softgel Capsules: High-potency Vitamin E softgels in strengths from 100 IU to 1,000 IU for the dietary supplement market
- Oil-Based Supplements: Liquid Vitamin E drops, oil blends, and combination formulations with other fat-soluble vitamins
- Cosmetic Serums and Creams: Premium antioxidant ingredient for anti-aging facial serums, moisturizing creams, and body oils
- Pharmaceutical Oil Formulations: Active pharmaceutical ingredient in therapeutic Vitamin E preparations
- High-Potency Vitamin E Products: Specialized formulations requiring maximum Vitamin E concentration with minimal carrier excipient
Sourcing Vitamin E Oil 98%: Key Checks
Documentation
Request CoA with GC/HPLC assay (≥98.0%), acidity (≤0.5 mL/g), refractive index (1.494-1.498), and specific gravity (0.952-0.966). The acidity test is the most sensitive stability indicator — rising acidity signals ester hydrolysis. For pharmaceutical applications, confirm which pharmacopoeia monographs are met. DrugBank reference
Red Flags
Elevated acidity (>0.5 mL/g) indicating degradation, assay below 96%, dark or cloudy appearance (oxidative degradation), odor of acetic acid (ester hydrolysis), refractive index outside 1.494-1.498 (wrong product or contamination), and missing batch-specific GC/HPLC data on CoA.
Packaging & Logistics
Standard: 25 KG/DRUM with nitrogen-blanketed headspace. Store at 15-25 degrees C, protected from light. Opened drums should be used within 6-12 months. Bulk storage tanks require nitrogen blanketing. Shelf life 36 months from manufacture date in unopened original packaging.
Market Context
Vitamin E acetate oil is one of the most price-cyclical vitamin commodities, with 18-24 month boom-bust cycles driven by intermediate supply dynamics (isophytol, trimethylhydroquinone) and Chinese environmental enforcement. EP/USP/BP/FCC multi-compendial certification differentiates premium suppliers. For softgel contract manufacturers, qualifying 2-3 approved suppliers is standard practice to manage supply continuity.