Vitamin E (DL-α-Tocopherol)
DL-α-Tocopherol is a yellow to red-brown, clear, viscous oil almost without odour which decolourise when exposed to light and air. DL-α-Tocopherol is soluble in ethanol, acetone, ether, chloroform, petroleum ether and in fats and fatty oils. It is insoluble in water. By the action of oxidants (such as oils and fats containing peroxide, atmospheric oxygen) DL-α-Tocopherol will readily lose its potency. This process is accelerated by irradiation. Contact with heavy metals should be avoided, if possible (catalytic effect on oxidation processes). Light, heat and oxygen are detrimental factors which reduces the stability