INTRODUCTION
1,3-Dihyrdoxyacetone is a hygroscopic, white powder with a minty odor. It is abundantly found in nature as derivative of starch and is an intermediate product of fructose metabolism. Acronymed as DHA, it is at large used in the cosmetic industry.
The sunless tanning industry has experienced rapid growth due to public education on the dangers of ultraviolet radiation on skin and improvements in products. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a 3-carbon sugar allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a color additive in sunless tanning products.
Manufacture
DHA is manufactured by bacterial fermentation of glycerine and alternatively from formaldehyde using formose reaction.
| Synonyms | Chromelin Glycerone 1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one |
| CAS no. | 96-26-4 |
| EINECS no. | 202-494-5 |
| Molecular formula | C3H6O3 |
| Molecular weight | 90.08 |
| Structure | ![]() |
| Applications in Medicine |
|---|
| The ketone has a history of medical application. It was used in 1950’s as an oral drug to treat children with glycon storage disorder. |
| Applications in Cosmetics |
|---|
| As skin conditioning agent |
| As reducing agent |
| As tanning agent |
| Applications in Intermediates |
|---|
| DHA is a KRM for manufacture of intermediates including but not limited to: |
| a) Hydroxypyruvic acid b) 1-(4-methylbenzyl)-1H-5-hydroxymethyl-imidazole c) 4-Imidazolemethanol HCl d) Glyceric acid e) DL-Glyceraldehyde f) Mannose g) DL-Arabinose |
| Other Applications |
|---|
| Chromelin is also used as color additive |
| DHA is also reported to be used in winemaking |
SPECIFICATIONS
| Test | Unit | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | – | White or off-white powder |
| pH | – | 4.0 – 6.0 |
| Moisture | % | Max 0.40 |
| ROI | % | Max 0.40 |
| Heavy metals | ppm | Max 10.0 |
| Iron as Fe | ppm | Max 25.0 |
| Arsenic | ppm | Max 3.0 |
| Assay | % | Min 98.0 |
STORAGE
The product is stored at ambient temperature.
PACKING
25 kg drum.
REACH Status
Under registration.
ExSyn offers DHA on commercial scales and welcomes enquiries. No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality and service will make ExSyn your supplier of choice! If you need any additional information or SDS, please contact us.
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