DESCRIPTION

Vitamin A occurs as a light yellow to red oil that may solidify on refrigeration (liquid form). In solid form, it may have the appearance of the diluent that has been added to it. It is a suitable form or derivative of retinol (C₂₀H₃₀O; vitamin A alcohol). It usually consists of retinol or esters of retinol formed from edible fatty acids, principally acetic and palmitic acids, or mixtures of these. It may be diluted with edible oils, or it may be incorporated in solid edible carriers, extenders, or excipients. It may contain suitable preservatives, dispersants, and antioxidants, providing it is not to be used in foods in which such substances are prohibited. In liquid form it is very soluble in chloroform and in ether, it is soluble in absolute alcohol and in vegetable oils, but it is insoluble in glycerin and in water. In solid form, it may be dispersible in water. It is unstable in air and light.