Retinyl palmitate

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Retinyl palmitate
IUPAC name [(2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenyl] hexadecanoate
Other names Retinol palmitate
Identifiers
CAS number [79-81-2]
PubChem 5280531
SMILES CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC=C(C)C=CC=C(C)C=CC1=C(CCCC1(C)C)C
Properties
Molecular formula C36H60O2
Molar mass 524.86 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Retinyl palmitate, or vitamin A palmitate, is a common vitamin supplement, with formula C36H60O2. It is the ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid. It is available in both oral and injectable forms for treatment of vitamin A deficiency, under the brand names Aquasol A and Palmitate A.

Retinyl palmitate is an alternate for retinyl acetate in vitamin A supplements, and is available in oily or dry forms. It is a pre-formed version of vitamin A, and can thus be realistically over-dosed, unlike beta-carotene.

It is also commonly added to reduced fat milk.

An alternate spelling, retinol palmitate, which violates the -yl organic chemical naming convention for esters, is also frequently seen.

Retinyl palmitate is also a constituent of some topically-applied skin care products. After its absorption into the skin, retinyl palmitate is converted to retinol, and ultimately to retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A present in Retin-A).

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