Retinol

C₂₀H₃₀O

IUPAC: (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol

CAS: 68-26-8

Overview

Retinol (vitamin A) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. It is the immediate precursor to retinal, which is critical for rod and cone photoreceptors in the eye. Deficiency causes night blindness and is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 30 1.0080
Carbon C 20 12.0110
Oxygen O 1 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
10.6%
C
83.9%
O
5.6%

Uses

  • Vision (retinal in photoreceptors)
  • Skincare (anti-aging)
  • Immune function support
  • Cell differentiation

Fun Facts

  • Polar bears have such high vitamin A in their livers that eating one can be lethal to humans

Safety

  • ⚠ Toxic in excess (hypervitaminosis A)
  • ⚠ Teratogenic (causes birth defects)
  • ⚠ Not for use during pregnancy in high doses

Structure

SMILES

CC1=C(C(CCC1)(C)C)C=CC(=CC=CC(=CCO)C)C

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
286.46 g/mol
Density
0.9400 g/cm³
Melting Point
63.0 °C
Boiling Point
137.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
286.2297
XLogP
5.7
TPSA
20.2 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
5
Heavy Atoms
21
Complexity
496.0

Also Known As

Vitamin A Retinol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Retinol?
Retinol (C₂₀H₃₀O) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol.
What is the molecular weight of Retinol?
Retinol has a molar mass of 286.459 g/mol.
What state is Retinol at room temperature?
Retinol is a solid at room temperature.
Is Retinol organic or inorganic?
Retinol is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Retinol?
Retinol (C₂₀H₃₀O) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).