What is DL-Calcium Pantothenate?

DL-Calcium Pantothenate plays a vital role as a source of vitamin B5, an essential nutrient supporting metabolism and enzyme function. With a chemical formula of C18H32CaN2O10 and a molecular weight around 476.53 g/mol, it combines d-pantothenic acid and its optical isomer to form a stable, crystalline calcium salt. The material often appears as a white, odorless powder or as flakes, pearls, or even as a fine, free-flowing granular solid. Whether in powdered, crystal, or occasionally in a compressed solid form, it provides consistent nutrient value while remaining easy to handle. The identification comes by HS Code 2936240000, which helps track its movement in trade and regulatory uses.

Physical Properties and Structure

The powder dissolves easily in water and shows limited solubility in ethanol or other organic solvents, reflecting its polar nature. Bulk density sits near 0.5–0.7 g/cm³, and a melting point typically above 190°C highlights stability under regular processing conditions. DL-Calcium Pantothenate holds up well in storage, especially when kept dry and away from heat or humidity. Its structure features the calcium ion bridging two pantothenate anions, increasing stability—crucial for vitamin premixes or multi-nutrient formulas in foods and pharmaceuticals. This robust configuration keeps the material from breaking down or clumping, supporting its reliable performance in manufacturing.

Specifications and Standards

Industries set clear expectations for composition and purity, often seeking at least 98% DL-Calcium Pantothenate content with minimal impurities. Analysis includes checks for heavy metals, moisture (below 5%), and residue on ignition. These numbers aren’t just technical points—they matter because all ingredients fed to the public require confidence at every step. Manufacturers who invest in repeat testing know trace contaminants threaten the performance of everything from animal feed supplements to energy drinks, so consistency in these materials builds trust.

Safety, Hazard Information, and Handling

Most users see DL-Calcium Pantothenate as a safe, non-hazardous substance under normal use. Still, as with most vitamin raw materials, the material produces dust that can irritate eyes, nose, or throat in case of careless handling. Workers need gloves and goggles in high-dust environments, and proper care cuts down on potential skin contact. The powder itself doesn’t ignite easily nor does it support combustion, but attention to proper ventilation remains important in large-scale environments. I’ve seen batch spills on warehouse floors—sweeping up quickly and not letting fine powder spread shows respect for both product and worker. In transport, secure containers prevent moisture ingress and keep quality intact.

Applications and Value in Practice

DL-Calcium Pantothenate, as a raw material, finds its spot in fortifying foods, dietary supplements, beverage mixes, and animal nutrition. Manufacturers have used it for decades in infant formula and breakfast cereals because it’s dependable and potent. It brings stability to formulations where moisture or pH fluctuations might otherwise degrade lesser ingredients. In livestock feed, the addition of vitamin B5 through this additive supports healthy growth and development, lowering health intervention costs for farmers. From the formulation table to the nutrition label, consistency and efficiency drive the choice of this ingredient in so many industries.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Experience on the factory floor—or even in warehouse logistics—shows the importance of managing chemical buildup and controlling the waste stream. Even though DL-Calcium Pantothenate rates as non-toxic, washing excess into groundwater or dumping in bulk still causes downstream concerns. Companies that collect unused material for proper disposal or reprocessing offer practical models for minimizing product loss and meeting local environmental standards. Responsible companies keep their staff trained, their records precise, and their focus on both worker safety and efficiency in resource use. It’s these people—more than the formula itself—who keep raw materials like DL-Calcium Pantothenate delivering value without harm.