DESCRIPTION

β-Carotene occurs as red crystals or as crystalline powder. It consists predominantly of all-trans-β-carotene, but may also contain minor amounts of cis-isomers and other carotenoids (see specifications). It is soluble in carbon disulfide and in chloroform; sparingly soluble in ether, in solvent hexane, and in vegetable oils; practically insoluble in methanol and in ethanol; insoluble in water and in acids and alkalies. It melts between 176° and 182°, with decomposition. Commercial preparations of β-Carotene intended for use in foods are prepared from β-Carotene meeting these specifications and are formulated as suspensions in edible oils or water-dispersible (edible) emulsions and powders. These preparations may have a different ratio of trans/cis isomers.