Vitamin D4
Vitamin D4, chemically identified as 22,23-dihydroergocalciferol, is a fat-soluble secosteroid that represents a less common but structurally significant member of the vitamin D family. It is typically produced through the irradiation of 22,23-dihydroergosterol and is found naturally in various fungal species and certain plant materials. Structurally, it differs from ergocalciferol (D2) by the saturation of the double bond at the C22-C23 position in its side chain. In its pure form, this compound appears as a crystalline solid that is sensitive to environmental factors such as light, oxygen, and high temperatures, requiring controlled handling and storage to ensure stability.
From an industrial and scientific perspective, Vitamin D4 is valued for its specific chemical profile and its role in comparative sterol studies. It serves as a vital tool for researchers investigating the nuances of secosteroid biochemistry and the structural requirements for biological activity. As a specialized raw material, it provides a distinct pathway for the synthesis of derivatives and facilitates the exploration of metabolic pathways that differ from the more common D2 and D3 analogs, making it a niche yet essential component in advanced chemical research.
• Analytical Reference Standards: Vitamin D4 is utilized as a high-purity reference material in analytical chemistry for the development and calibration of sophisticated testing methods. It is particularly important in chromatography and mass spectrometry to ensure the accurate differentiation and quantification of various vitamin D analogs within complex biological or environmental samples.
• Biochemical and Metabolic Research: The compound is employed in nutritional and biochemical studies to explore the comparative metabolism of different secosteroids. Researchers use it to investigate how the saturation of the side chain affects binding affinities to transport proteins and the overall metabolic conversion rates compared to other forms of vitamin D.
• Chemical Synthesis and Intermediate Use: In the specialty chemical industry, CAS 511-28-4 serves as a precursor or intermediate for the synthesis of unique steroid derivatives. Its specific molecular structure allows for targeted chemical modifications, enabling the production of novel compounds for experimental use in organic synthesis and material science.
• Natural Product Profiling: Vitamin D4 is used as a marker in the study and mapping of natural products, especially within mycological and botanical research. It helps scientists identify the distribution and prevalence of various vitamin D forms across different species, contributing to the broader understanding of sterol diversity in nature.
Product Name: Vitamin D4
For global customers, we provide complete technical documentation to support product evaluation, regulatory compliance and safe handling during transportation and application.