Product Description
Basic Information
Chemical Name and Structure
Alpha - Lipoic Acid, the chemical name is 1,2 - dithiolane - 3 - pentanoic acid, and the molecular formula is . The core of its molecular structure is a cyclic structure composed of five atoms (four carbon atoms and one sulfur atom), namely 1,2 - dithiolane. A pentanoic acid side chain is connected to the ring. This unique structure endows alpha - lipoic acid with excellent antioxidant properties. It can scavenge a variety of free radicals in vivo and in vitro and can be interconverted between the oxidized and reduced forms.
Appearance and Properties
Alpha - lipoic acid granules are usually pale - yellow granules. The granules are relatively uniform in size and the surface may have a certain luster. They are odorless or have a slight special smell and a slightly sour taste. This granular product form is convenient for storage, transportation and use. For example, in the packaging of drugs or health products, granules are not as likely to fly as powder and are more easily dispersed than lumps.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Solubility
Alpha - lipoic acid has a low solubility in water, but has a certain solubility in organic solvents. It is easily soluble in alcohol solvents such as ethanol and methanol, and can also be dissolved in some fat - soluble solvents such as chloroform and ether. These solubility characteristics enable it to have different application methods in different preparation processes. For example, its fat - solubility can be utilized to select a suitable oil - based matrix when making soft capsules.
Stability
Alpha - lipoic acid is relatively sensitive to light and heat. Under light conditions, especially when exposed to strong light for a long time, it is prone to decomposition reactions, resulting in a decrease in its antioxidant activity. In a high - temperature environment, oxidation and decomposition will also occur. Therefore, during the storage of alpha - lipoic acid granules, it is necessary to avoid light and heat. It is usually recommended to store them in a cool and dry place.
Melting Point and Boiling Point
The melting point of alpha - lipoic acid is between 60 - 62ºC, and the boiling point is about 362.5ºC. The relatively low melting point means that it may soften in an environment slightly above room temperature. Therefore, the influence of temperature on its physical state needs to be considered during storage and transportation.
Sources and Production Methods
Natural Sources
Alpha - lipoic acid exists in small amounts in some plants and animals in nature, such as spinach, broccoli and other vegetables, and animal livers and other organs. However, the amount of alpha - lipoic acid extracted from natural sources is limited and it is difficult to meet the large - scale production requirements.
Industrial Production Methods
Chemical Synthesis Method: This is the main production method at present. Adipic acid and sodium sulfide () and other materials are used as raw materials to synthesize alpha - lipoic acid through a series of complex organic chemical reactions. For example, adipic acid is first converted into the corresponding ester, and then through reactions with sulfides, cyclization and other steps, alpha - lipoic acid is finally obtained. This method can produce a large amount of alpha - lipoic acid, but during the synthesis process, reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, reaction time and the proportion of reactants need to be strictly controlled to ensure the quality and purity of the product.
Quality Standards and Specifications
Purity Standard
For alpha - lipoic acid granule products, purity is a key indicator. In the field of health products, the purity is generally required to be about 90% - 98%. In the medical field, the purity requirement is higher, usually above 98% to ensure its effectiveness and safety in treating diseases or providing health - care functions.
Impurity Limitations
Heavy Metal Content: There are strict limitations on the content of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. For example, the lead content usually does not exceed 1mg/kg, and the arsenic content usually does not exceed 1mg/kg to ensure that the product meets the quality standards of drugs or health products and avoid harm to human health.
Other Impurities: The contents of by - products that may be generated during the synthesis process, residual raw materials and other organic impurities also need to be strictly controlled. These impurities may affect the chemical stability, bioavailability and safety of alpha - lipoic acid.
Uses and Application Fields
Medical Field
Alpha - lipoic acid is mainly used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy in medicine. It can improve nerve conduction function and relieve symptoms such as nerve pain and numbness. In addition, it also has a certain adjuvant therapeutic effect on some liver diseases and can protect liver cells and reduce oxidative stress - induced liver damage.
Health Product Field
As an antioxidant, health products made of alpha - lipoic acid granules can help the human body scavenge free radicals and slow down the aging process. It can also regulate human metabolism and enhance immunity. In some beauty health products, alpha - lipoic acid is used to improve skin conditions, reduce wrinkles and make the skin more healthy and shiny.
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