Betacarotene

Beta-carotene, with the molecular formula C40H56, belongs to the group of carotenoids consisting of isoprene units. The presence of long chains of conjugated double bonds donates beta-carotene with specific colors. It is the most abundant form of carotenoid and it is a precursor of the vitamin A. Beta-carotene is composed of two retinyl groups. It is an antioxidant that can be found in yellow, orange and green leafy vegetables and fruits. Under the FDA, beta-carotene is considered as a generally recognized as safe substance (GRAS).

IUPAC Name: 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-3,7,12,16-tetramethyl-18-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexen-1-yl)octadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]cyclohexene
CAS No: 7235-40-7
Synonyms: beta-carotene
7235-40-7
beta Carotene
beta,beta-Carotene
Betacarotene
Solatene
Provitamin A
Carotaben
Provatene
Molecular Formula: C₄₀H₅₆
Molecular Weight: 536.9 g/mol