D-Biotin: Chemical Properties, Structure, and Safe Use

What is D-Biotin?

D-Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H, falls under the category of water-soluble B-complex vitamins. Its reputation in the nutritional and chemical worlds rides on a combination of essential properties and a precise molecular structure. The compound’s molecular formula, C10H16N2O3S, along with its specific molecular weight of 244.31 g/mol, marks it as a compact yet vital raw material for numerous industries. This vitamin occurs as a fine white to off-white powder, sometimes found in crystalline or flake forms, depending on the processing method. It does not dissolve well in water, but a bit better in dilute alkali solutions or in alcohol. The HS Code for D-Biotin stands as 29362900, a categorization trusted for global trade and regulatory tracking.

Material Properties and Physical Characteristics

D-Biotin in its pure state features several unique traits that matter a great deal for users across health, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, and chemical synthesis. The density of D-Biotin is around 1.3 g/cm³, meaning it packs tightly when handled as a solid or powder. Under most room temperatures, it shows excellent stability, with a melting point near 232°C. Product appearance ranges from fine powders and flakes to small colorless crystals, and, in certain solutions, as a dissolved additive. In my line of work, accuracy when measuring or blending raw materials hinges on a dependable particle size and solid form—the characteristic pearl and flake forms help techs in dosing facilities, while the powder ensures labs can prepare stock solutions quickly. The product arrives in robust containers to avoid exposure to light, air, or moisture, as D-Biotin degrades from sunlight and oxygen exposure.

Chemical Structure and Molecular Description

The structure of D-Biotin contains a fused ring system with a ureido ring joined to a tetrahydrothiophene ring, plus a valeric acid side chain. Three chiral centers mean the product comes as a single biologically active isomer, and only the D-form demonstrates vitamin activity for humans and animals. In the lab, I’ve found that using molecular models makes it easier to show staff how the biotin ring locks with enzymes—this hands-on experience clarifies why its form and orientation are critical for metabolic action in both supplements and feed additives. The chemical linkage to metabolic enzymes happens due to carboxyl group activation, allowing D-Biotin to enable key reactions in the body, especially those involved in fat, amino acid, and carbohydrate breakdown. These properties shape why product specification sheets spend time confirming both form (D-isomer) and purity (often above 98%).

Specifications and Product Forms

The raw material specification sheet tells a real story. D-Biotin is regularly supplied as a free-flowing powder, but large purchasers order it as solid blocks, flakes, pearls, or even crystal grains based on use cases. Market standards request tight purity levels, low moisture, and freedom from carrier chemicals or contamination. I appreciate suppliers that document every batch using HPLC, ensuring impurity content stays well below safety thresholds. For solutions, concentrations usually cap at around 2%, limited by biotin’s low water solubility. Manufacturers keep density and bulk packing details front and center on their certificates, and large buyers insist on certificate of analysis and safety data to guarantee downstream safety.

Safe Handling: Hazards, Harmful Properties, and Sustainable Use

Hazard and safety data deserve a serious look. On the spectrum of chemical raw materials, pure D-Biotin rates as a low-hazard chemical. Not classified as harmful or dangerous goods for transport, it does present dust challenges in manufacturing plants, especially when shipped as a fine powder—prolonged inhalation exposure may cause mild irritation, so I always push for proper PPE adoption (like dust masks and gloves) for all warehouse and lab teams. Since D-Biotin breaks down into safer organic compounds, disposal doesn’t require advanced facilities, and most jurisdictions allow blending with normal waste in modest quantities. Companies still need to avoid discharging high concentrations into waterways since dissolved biotin and organic dust cause downstream ecological stress.

Industry Use, Compliance, and Traceability

Industry application means compliance obligations multiply. Nutritional brands must provide clear origin, hazard, and purity evidence for every lot, especially for baby food or supplements. Working on regulatory audits, I learned how the backbone of trust starts with traceable raw materials. Many vendors include batch numbers, HS Codes, and testing details right on the primary packaging. This level of documentation is not just compliance hoop-jumping—it lets small manufacturers cut the risk of recalls or regulatory shutdowns. For chemical and industrial companies formulating with D-Biotin, keeping full safety data and specification sheets on file avoids major headaches during supplier reviews, and helps assure that safe, high-quality products reach customers.

Responsible Sourcing and Long-Term Impact

Responsible sourcing deserves serious attention in today’s ingredient market. With D-Biotin production expanding thanks to advances in fermentation and chemical synthesis, sustainable sourcing grows more viable each year. I’ve worked with teams to select vendors who use lower-impact fermentation and assure no harmful by-products slip into the supply chain. High traceability and environmentally sound methods help prevent future regulatory issues and preserve safety for both workers and end-users. This matters not just because of regulations but because operators and consumers want peace of mind from everything in the supply chain, starting with the humble D-Biotin molecule.