Vitamin B6: Structure, Properties, and Key Material Facts

What Is Vitamin B6?

Vitamin B6 stands out as an essential nutrient, often found under names like pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. This water-soluble vitamin plays an important part in human metabolism and is involved in over a hundred enzyme reactions, most related to protein metabolism. Many industries use synthetic Vitamin B6 as a raw material, especially in pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, animal feed, and sometimes in cosmetic products.

Physical Characteristics and Form

Vitamin B6 usually appears as a white or nearly white powder, sometimes pressed into small crystals or flakes for easier handling. The compound presents a crystalline solid under ordinary lab and warehouse settings. Under direct light, the powder remains fairly stable though extended exposure to sunlight can affect color and, over time, degrade its vitamin properties. The powder carries a slightly bitter, neutral taste, making it easy to use in tablet-pressing for supplements and in granules for feed applications.

Molecular Structure and Formula

The primary form of Vitamin B6, pyridoxine hydrochloride, features a molecular formula of C8H11NO3·HCl. Its structure consists of a pyridine ring bearing hydroxymethyl and methyl side groups with an additional chloride ion that helps make it more stable. The molar mass of pyridoxine hydrochloride registers at roughly 205.64 g/mol. In its pure form, Vitamin B6 resists most non-polar solvents but dissolves readily in water, forming clear solutions. This water solubility stands as a major advantage in both liquid supplement formulations and intravenous nutrition solutions.

Specifications and Standard Properties

Specifications for Vitamin B6 range from fine powder to small granules, with a standard particle size suitable for blending into direct compression tablets or capsules. Density commonly measures around 1.4 grams per cubic centimeter, but this can shift with moisture content and grade. Flakes and crystals can clump if humidity sneaks into packaging, calling for moisture-proof packing for long-term storage. In the lab, pharmacists or chemists often receive B6 in broad-mesh powder that pours easily and integrates smoothly with other powdered substances.

Forms: Powder, Flakes, Crystals, and Solutions

Powdered Vitamin B6 offers the most flexibility in industrial and home settings. In bulk manufacturing, this form suits mass-mixing operations and guarantees even distribution in final products. Flakes and pearls appeal to feed manufacturers for automated blending. Liquid and crystal forms mostly stay in niche settings — the crystal form is popular with researchers verifying purity while liquid solutions find their way into IV formulations. Each form comes with specific bulk density and flow properties, often listed in kilo per liter or grams per cubic centimeter by suppliers.

HS Code and Trade Classification

For international and customs purposes, Vitamin B6 sits under HS Code 29362500, classified among vitamins and vitamin derivatives used as ingredients, not finished products. This classification affects tariffs, shipping requirements, regulatory status, and customs paperwork for both importers and exporters. It’s important to use correct HS codes to avoid penalties and delays, especially as more dietary supplements cross global borders.

Safe Handling and Hazard Considerations

While Vitamin B6 appears on the list of safe ingredients for dietary and pharmaceutical use, it pays to respect the material’s chemical profile. In bulk or pure form, dust can cause mild irritation to eyes or skin. Inhalation risks stay limited, but protective masks become necessary for workers handling metric tons in enclosed spaces. Chronic overexposure by ingestion can cause nerve issues, though such cases remain rare outside of supplement abuse. In manufacturing, storing B6 away from strong oxidizing agents and at room temperature preserves its potency and minimizes hazardous reactions. The product does not rate as flammable, nor does it present notable environmental hazards under ordinary use. Industry guidelines from agencies such as OSHA support the use of gloves, dust extractors, and sealed containers. Spill recovery usually involves simple sweeping and disposal with standard industrial waste, following any local rules for vitamin substances.

Role as Raw Material

Vitamin B6 acts as a core building block in many finished products. In pharmaceuticals, it forms the backbone of B-complex vitamin tablets, multivitamin syrups, and specific prescription products for nerve and metabolic health. Feed manufacturers rely on it for fortifying rations to prevent deficiencies in poultry, livestock, and fish. Food processors add precise amounts to nutrient-enriched cereals, beverages, and infant formula. Raw B6 powder gives formulators the chance to fine-tune dosages without risking solubility or taste problems. With its dual action as both nutritional and chemical raw material, Vitamin B6 holds space in industry and lab, supporting health at every level from single bottle to mass production batch.