Overview

Alpha-tocopherol (AL-fa toe-KOF-er-ol) is also known as 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-ol and 3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyl-tridecyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-6-ol, as well as by many other systematic names. It is one of a family of compounds, the tocopherols, that makes up vitamin E. Other members of the family include the beta (β), gamma (γ), delta (δ), and epsilon (ε) tocopherols. All tocopherols share the same basic molecular structure, differing only in slightly different arrangements of methyl (CH₃-) and hydroxyl (OH-) groups. In terms of biological activity, α-tocopherol is the most important member of the tocopherol family. The tocopherols are all pale yellow, viscous oils found in a variety of plants, including almonds, mustard greens, green and red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds. The most important source for the vitamin is wheat germ.

Key Facts

Other Names:

See Overview.

Formula:

C₂₉H₅₀O

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Compound Type:

Organic...