Description

E,E-Carotene-3,3'-Dione CAS NO 28840-14-4 is a high-purity carotenoid pigment, chemically known as all-trans-astaxanthin. This compound is valued for its potent antioxidant properties and vibrant red-orange color. It is essential for manufacturers in the nutraceutical, aquaculture, and food and beverage industries seeking natural colorants and health-promoting ingredients.

Application

• Aquaculture Feed Additive: A critical pigment for salmon, trout, and shrimp feed to enhance flesh coloration and improve animal health.
• Nutraceutical & Dietary Supplements: Used as a key active ingredient in capsules and tablets for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Food & Beverage Coloring: Provides a stable, natural red-orange hue to functional foods, beverages, and confectionery products.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Incorporated into skincare formulations for its antioxidant properties and as a natural colorant.
• Animal Nutrition: Enhances the health and vitality of poultry and ornamental fish through feed supplementation.
• Pharmaceutical Research: Serves as a reference standard and an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in research and development.

Basic Information

Product Name	E,E-Carotene-3,3'-Dione
CAS No.	28840-14-4
Molecular Formula	C40H52O4
Molecular Weight	596.84 g/mol
Synonyms	Astaxanthin; all-trans-Astaxanthin; 3,3'-Dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione; CI 40850; Ovoester; Carophyll Pink; (3S,3'S)-Astaxanthin (for enantiomer); Natural Red 8
EINECS	249-272-6

Quality Control

Our E,E-Carotene-3,3'-Dione is produced under strict quality management systems. Each batch is tested to ensure it meets high-purity standards suitable for food, feed, and nutraceutical applications. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing purity, isomer content, and impurity profiles are provided with every shipment. We can supply grades compliant with relevant specifications, including FCC and USP, upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) at 2-8°C (refrigerated) or at -20°C for long-term stability. This product is easily oxidized and light-sensitive; prolonged exposure to air, heat, or light should be avoided to maintain potency and color.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Dark red to violet crystalline powder
Identification (HPLC/UV)	Conforms
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 95.0% (all-trans-Astaxanthin)
Total Isomer Content	≥ 98.0%
Loss on Drying	≤ 1.0%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm
Residual Solvents (GC)	Meets ICH guidelines
Microbiological Analysis	Meets standard plate count limits

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.