Tocopherol

Key Attributes.

Tocopherol Synonyms: Vitamin E; 3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-6-ol Molecular Structure: Molecular Formula: C29H50O2 Molecular Weight: 430.71 CAS Number: 1406-18-4 (1406-66-2) Tocotrienols, which are related compounds, may also have vitamin E activity. All of these various derivatives with vitamin activity may correctly be referred to as ""vitamin E."" Tocopherols and tocotrienols are fat-soluble antioxidants but also seem to have many other functions in the body. The compound a-tocopherol, a common form of tocopherol added to food products, is denoted by the E number E307. Vitamin E exists in eight different forms, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. All feature a chromanol ring, with a hydroxyl group that can donate a hydrogen atom to reduce free radicals and a hydrophobic side chain which allows for penetration into biological membranes. Both the tocopherols and tocotrienols occur in alpha, beta, gamma and delta forms, determined