Description
Tocofersolan, also known as Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate or TPGS, is a water-soluble derivative of natural source Vitamin E. It is formed by the esterification of d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate with polyethylene glycol (PEG). This modification transforms the normally lipid-soluble Vitamin E into a form that is amphiphilic, meaning it has both water-soluble and fat-soluble properties. This unique characteristic makes Tocofersolan an excellent emulsifier, solubilizer, and absorption enhancer. It is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs and as a source of Vitamin E in individuals with malabsorption conditions.
Properties
Property Value Chemical Name Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-[4-[[(2R)-3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-6-yl]oxy]-1,4-dioxobutyl]-ω-hydroxy- Synonyms TPGS, Vitamin E TPGS, Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate, Vitamin E PEG succinate CAS Number 9002-96-4 Molecular Formula (C2H4O)n C33H54O5 (approximate, as PEG chain length varies) Molecular Weight Varies depending on the PEG chain length (e.g., TPGS 1000 has an average MW of approx. 1513 g/mol) Appearance White to light tan waxy solid or viscous liquid at room temperature Solubility Soluble in water, forming clear solutions; soluble in many organic solvents Form Water-soluble derivative of Vitamin E Usage
Tocofersolan is utilized in a variety of applications due to its unique physicochemical properties:
- Pharmaceutical Formulations: Extensively used as a non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, solubilizer, and bioavailability enhancer in oral, parenteral, topical, and ophthalmic drug delivery systems. It is particularly valuable for formulating poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). It can also act as a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, further enhancing drug absorption.
- Dietary Supplements: Used as a highly bioavailable source of Vitamin E, especially for individuals with fat malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis, cholestatic liver disease) who cannot efficiently absorb conventional Vitamin E forms.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: Incorporated into cosmetic and personal care products as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and antioxidant.
- Veterinary Medicine: Used in veterinary drug formulations to improve drug solubility and absorption, and as a Vitamin E source.
- Research: Employed in pharmaceutical research and development for creating novel drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, liposomes, and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS).
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