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Ascorbyl Palmitate BP EP USP Pharma Grade: Physical Properties in Detail

What Is Ascorbyl Palmitate BP EP USP Pharma Grade?

Ascorbyl Palmitate BP EP USP Pharma Grade represents a fat-soluble form of vitamin C linked to palmitic acid, widely adopted in the pharmaceutical sector. This compound stands out due to its ability to dissolve in both water and fats, combining the properties of ascorbic acid with added stability from the palmitate group. The pharmaceutical grade matches strict standards laid out by national and global pharmacopoeias, marking it as high-purity raw material designed for medicinal, cosmetic, and food applications. The identity as ascorbyl palmitate means that users gain antioxidant qualities along with compatibility in fat-based formulations, which pushes its adoption far beyond the water-soluble vitamin C segment.

Product Structure and Molecular Profile

From a chemistry point of view, Ascorbyl Palmitate combines the ascorbic acid ring with a 16-carbon palmitate chain, creating a molecule with the formula C22H38O7. Its CAS number is 137-66-6. The structure holds together through an ester linkage, balancing hydrophilic and lipophilic behavior, which gives it flexibility across product forms. The molecular weight stands at about 414.53 g/mol. Under a microscope, its structure directly influences how it behaves as a solid (powder, flakes, pearls, crystals) or even in more processed formats (liquid solutions for some pharma preparations). This dual chemistry defines both the physical feel and function of the compound.

Physical Forms and Properties

Pharmaceutical companies don’t settle for a single form. Ascorbyl Palmitate presents itself as an almost white to pale yellow crystalline powder. In other cases, it may show up as flakes or fine granules, and less commonly as small pearls. Material density ranges from about 1.1 to 1.2 g/cm³, making it stable yet manageable for processing and compact storage. At room temperature, this material remains solid, only melting at higher temperatures (about 107–117 °C). This melting point helps maintain stability when blended in standard tablet or capsule production. For those handling raw materials daily, the substance feels slightly greasy and offers little odor, making it easy to incorporate into oil-based mixtures.

Solubility, Handling, and Solutions

Unlike plain ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate dissolves best in fats, oils, and ethanol. It shows minimal solubility in water, so the formulation chemist turns to liquid or semi-solid carriers to get the best results. Solutions formed in ethanol or oil yield clear, stable ingredients for emulsion or suspension products. The material won’t clump or degrade when blended within the pH window used for most pharmaceuticals and personal care lines. In experience, the handling process stays clean, and mixing takes little more than gentle agitation. Whether used in bulk blends or precision-metered solutions, its behavior remains consistent.

HS Code and Regulatory Status

The globally recognized HS Code for Ascorbyl Palmitate is 29362700. This code fits with organic chemical groupings, ensuring the compound can move between markets with recognized customs classifications. Meeting BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) thresholds guarantees thorough documentation and safety evidence, so buyers and regulators can trust the quality in every shipment. Regulatory status drives trust—products labeled with all three pharmacopoeial standards prove their place in demanding pharmaceutical chains.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling Precautions

From a safety viewpoint, Ascorbyl Palmitate shows low toxicity and is generally non-hazardous at concentrations used in pharma and commercial foods. Still, standard safety steps matter: use gloves, keep dust out of the air, and avoid eye contact. Chronic exposure studies show little irritation or allergic response, setting this compound apart from many chemical additives. As with any raw material used for ingestion or application, safe storage keeps it dry and protected from heat and light, because vitamin C derivatives tend to break down without proper packaging.

Role as a Pharmaceutical Raw Material

Pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers count on Ascorbyl Palmitate for its stability and broad range of uses. As a raw material, its strength as an antioxidant surpasses that of regular ascorbic acid in oil-based blends. That makes it a favorite for protecting active compounds in softgels, creams, and ointments. From shelf longevity to solubility in fats, each property supports efficient production and safer end products. Its crystal-pure form helps ensure dose accuracy and batch reliability—a crucial point for any company managing global distribution.

Importance for Industry and Research

In the wider context of pharmaceutical manufacturing, research continues to push the role of multi-functional raw materials. Ascorbyl Palmitate sits in a unique position where practical chemistry and clinical needs intersect. When raw material costs and quality differences determine the fate of a new product launch, this ingredient’s solid track record, paired with clear property data and compliance history, becomes a strong asset. Laboratories, research facilities, and big pharma groups see its versatility as a solution to tricky formulation puzzles, especially in areas needing lipid stability or antioxidant backing.

Potential Solutions for Industry Issues

Raw material shortages, quality fluctuations, and regulatory updates cause ongoing challenges in pharmaceutical production. Long-term fixes begin with verified sourcing—choosing certified suppliers with documented testing for purity, density, and specification matching. Regular audits ensure up-to-date compliance. On the technical side, investing in automated powder handling reduces handling errors and cross-contamination, while climate-controlled storage units defend against light and moisture-driven breakdown. Transparency in documentation and supply chains keeps customers on the right side of international law and public health standards. The mutual goal across the board is the same: safe, potent, easy-to-process material that keeps patients and products safe, batch after batch.