January 22, 2026 | UR Gate
Beta-Carotene (C40H56) Structure, Properties and Nomenclature
β-Carotene (C40H56), a vital carotenoid and precursor to Vitamin A. Learn its structure, key properties, IUPAC name, synonyms, and its role as an antioxidant and pigment in fruits and vegetables.
What is β-Carotene (C40H56)?
Beta-carotene is a highly colored red-orange pigment classified as a carotenoid. It is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe, and is responsible for their vibrant hues. Beta-carotene is significant for its role as a precursor to Vitamin A (retinol) in the human body; it can be cleaved in the intestine and liver to produce Vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. It also acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Its molecular structure is characterized by a long chain of conjugated double bonds, which gives it its color and antioxidant properties.
Properties of Beta-Carotene (C40H56)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₄₀H₅₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 536.87 g/mol |
| Density | Not readily available for the solid form, but it is a solid at room temperature. |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes upon heating (it is a solid and sublimes) |
| Melting Point | 180–184 °C |
| Hybridization | Carbons involved in the conjugated double bond system are predominantly sp² hybridized, contributing to its planarity and color. The methyl groups attached are sp³ hybridized. |
| Appearance | Red-orange crystalline solid |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in nonpolar organic solvents like hexane, benzene, and chloroform. |
Nomenclature of Beta-Carotene
- Common name: Beta-Carotene, β-Carotene
- IUPAC name: (3R,3'R)-3,7,12,16-tetramethyl-1,4,7,9,11,13,15,17,19,21-tetracosahydrononaene
Synonyms
- β,β-Carotene
- All-trans-β-carotene
- C₄₀H₅₆
- Provitamin A
- Crocetin
- Carotenes
