Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

Astaxanthin

CAS 472-61-7 · Formula C40H52O4 · MW 596.8 g/mol

A red-orange carotenoid pigment central to aquaculture feed coloration. It is used as a pigment in salmonid and crustacean aquaculture and as a carotenoid colorant across the feed, food, and cosmetics industries.

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CAS Number
472-61-7
Formula
C40H52O4
Molecular Weight
596.8 g/mol
Material Family
Specialty Additives
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Color / Pigmentation · Preservation
Functional Roles
ASTAXANTHIN
SKIN CONDITIONING
Applications & Use Cases
  • Aquaculture feed pigment: imparts characteristic pink/red color in farmed salmon and trout
  • Feed additive: carotenoid pigment for animal feed
  • Colorant: natural red-orange colorant for food and cosmetics
  • Cosmetic formulations: carotenoid ingredient in personal care
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Solid
Color/Form
Needles from acetone/light petroleum
Melting Point
182-183 °C
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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Chemical Identity
CAS Number
472-61-7
Molecular Formula
C40H52O4
Molecular Weight
596.8 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(6S)-6-hydroxy-3-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(4S)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxocyclohexen-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one
INCI Name
ASTAXANTHIN
PubChem CID
InChI Key
MQZIGYBFDRPAKN-UWFIBFSHSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
Astaxanthin Ovoester all-trans-Astaxanthin BioAstin AstaREAL Astaxanthine (3S,3'S)-Astaxanthin Carophyll Pink (3S,3'S)-3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione 3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta-carotene-4,4'-dione beta,beta-Carotene-4,4'-dione, 3,3'-dihydroxy-, (3S,3'S)-
Full Description

Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7), a red-orange xanthophyll carotenoid. It is used as a pigment in salmonid and crustacean aquaculture and as a carotenoid colorant across the feed, food, and cosmetics industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is astaxanthin used for?

Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7) is a red-orange xanthophyll carotenoid used primarily as a pigment in salmonid and crustacean aquaculture feed, where it imparts the characteristic pink/red color in farmed salmon and trout. It is also used as a carotenoid colorant across feed, food, and cosmetics. RawSource supplies it in bulk to feed and ingredient manufacturers.

What is astaxanthin made from?

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment with formula C40H52O4. Commercial supply is produced by microalgae fermentation (notably Haematococcus pluvialis), yeast, or chemical synthesis depending on grade. Source and form affect specification, so confirm the production route on the CoA for a given lot.

Is astaxanthin natural or synthetic?

Both natural and synthetic astaxanthin are available commercially. Natural grades are derived from microalgae or yeast; synthetic grades are chemically manufactured and are common in aquaculture feed. RawSource can quote the form that matches your formulation and labeling requirements.

What is the CAS number for astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin carries CAS 472-61-7 and molecular formula C40H52O4. It is a red-orange xanthophyll carotenoid. RawSource provides identity and specification documentation with each bulk shipment.

How is bulk astaxanthin supplied and priced?

RawSource supplies astaxanthin in bulk for aquaculture feed, food-colorant, and cosmetic applications, available in beadlet, oleoresin, or powder forms depending on grade. Pricing is quote-based and varies with concentration, source (natural vs synthetic), and volume. Submit a bulk RFQ for current pricing, available grades, and lead time.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.