Zeaxanthin

Other Names: Anchovyxanthin, Zeaxanthol, all-trans-Zeaxanthin

CAS Number: 144-68-3
Sum Formula: C₄₀H₅₆O₂
Molar Mass: 568.90 g/mol
Appearance: Dark red to orange crystalline powder

Zeaxanthin is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid consisting of a polyene chain with cyclic end groups containing hydroxyl functionalities. As a conjugated polyene, zeaxanthin exhibits strong light absorption properties and is widely studied for its role in photoprotection, antioxidation, and material science involving light-responsive systems.

Chemical and Physical Properties
Density: ~1.1 g/cm³ (estimated)
Melting Point: 215–218°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble
Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in fats, oils, chloroform, and hexane; slightly soluble in ethanol
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic

Applications
Organic Materials: Used in the design of light-harvesting systems and organic photovoltaic materials.
Photoprotection Research: Studied for its photophysical properties in protecting materials from UV and visible light damage.
Pigment and Coating Formulations: Incorporated as a natural pigment in technical coatings and plastics.
Analytical Chemistry: Used as a standard for carotenoid quantification by spectrophotometry and HPLC methods.
Antioxidant Systems: Explored for its radical scavenging capacity in chemical stability studies.

Safety
Signal Word: Warning

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 95% (113 of 119) of all reports.

Handling and Storage
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Protect from light, oxygen, and heat to prevent oxidative degradation.
Handling Precautions: Minimize exposure to air and light. Handle under inert conditions if purity and light stability are critical. Use standard laboratory PPE.