Wholesome in bulk™ Alpha Lipoic Acid Powder (Thioctic Acid)
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Bulk Alpha Lipoic Acid Powder for Supplement Manufacturing
Alpha-lipoic acid is a light yellow crystalline powder made by chemical synthesis, also known as thioctic acid. The standard grade is racemic, a 50:50 mix of the R and S forms, and a USP monograph sets its purity at 99.0% to 101.0% by HPLC. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators, with lot documents for your quality team.
A single compound with a published monograph
Alpha-lipoic acid is one defined molecule, so you can specify it the way you would any fine chemical. A USP monograph sets the assay, the impurity limits, and the identity tests. That gives buyers and quality teams a shared standard for every lot.
Defined chemical identity
The molecular formula is C8H14O2S2, and racemic material carries CAS number 1077-28-7. Identity is confirmed by infrared spectrum and by HPLC retention time against a USP reference standard.
A USP monograph to specify against
The monograph calls for 99.0% to 101.0% by HPLC on the dried basis. It also caps any single impurity at 0.1% and total impurities at 2.0%.
Racemic or R form
Standard material is racemic. The R form alone is sold as R-lipoic acid (CAS 1200-22-2) or as its sodium salt, Na-R-ALA. Specific rotation on the COA shows which one you have.
Low melting point
Racemic material melts at 60 to 62 °C. The single R form melts at about 47 to 50 °C, so plan milling, blending, and compression with heat in mind.
Light and heat sensitivity
The molecule has a five membered sulfur ring that can open under light and heat and link into polymers. The USP monograph includes a TLC test for this polymer.
Suited to dry formats
The powder dissolves poorly in water and well in ethanol. That makes it a natural fit for capsules, tablets, and softgels rather than clear drinks.
Where formulators use alpha lipoic acid
This compound fits measured formats where fill weight and heat exposure are controlled, including:
- Capsules
- Compressed tablets, with heat control at the press
- Softgels with an oil based fill
- Multiple ingredient capsule blends
- Single ingredient powders
- Powdered drink mixes, after taste and dispersion trials
- Private label programs
Plan fill weights from the assay on each COA, and note the form. Racemic ALA, R-lipoic acid, and the sodium salt are not interchangeable gram for gram, so recalculate your serving math whenever you change forms.
What to check before you buy alpha lipoic acid
Two powders sold as alpha lipoic acid can differ in form, assay method, and polymer content. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
Racemic or R form
Confirm the form on both the spec sheet and the certificate of analysis (COA). Racemic material reads close to zero for specific rotation, while R material reads strongly positive.
Assay by HPLC
Ask whether purity is measured by HPLC to the USP method. Some spec sheets list a titration assay with a 98% minimum, which is a different and looser test.
Polymer and related compounds
Check the HPLC impurity results and the TLC polymer test. Polymer content affects flow and caking as well as purity.
Melting range on the COA
A melting range of 60 to 62 °C fits racemic material. A melting range near 47 to 50 °C points to the R form, and a wide or early melt is worth a question.
Residual solvents and metals
Synthesis and crystallization use solvents such as cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. Ask for GC results to USP <467> and heavy metals by ICP-MS.
Packaging and transit heat
Ask for opaque, sealed inner liners and a shipping plan for hot months. Powder that softens in a hot container can arrive caked.
Salt form math: Na-R-ALA is a sodium salt, so one gram of it holds less than one gram of R-lipoic acid. By molecular weight the free acid is about 90% of the salt. Ask the supplier to state the R-lipoic acid content per gram on the COA, and base your label figures on that number.
Typical specification for alpha lipoic acid
These values follow the USP monograph for racemic alpha-lipoic acid and published supplier spec sheets. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Alpha-lipoic acid (thioctic acid), C8H14O2S2, CAS 1077-28-7 | IR and HPLC retention time |
| Appearance | Provided with quote | Visual |
| Assay, dried basis | Provided with quote | HPLC (USP) |
| Specific rotation | Provided with quote | USP <781S> |
| Melting range | Provided with quote | USP <741> |
| Loss on drying | Provided with quote | USP <731> |
| Residue on ignition | Provided with quote | USP <281> |
| Related compounds | Provided with quote | HPLC (USP) |
| Polymeric lipoic acid | Provided with quote | TLC (USP) |
| Residual solvents | Provided with quote | GC |
| Particle size | Provided with quote | USP <786> |
| Lead | Provided with quote | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | Provided with quote | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium | Provided with quote | ICP-MS |
| Mercury | Provided with quote | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | Provided with quote | USP <61> or <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | Provided with quote | USP <61> or <2021> |
| E. coli and Salmonella | Provided with quote | USP <62> or <2022> |
| Shelf life | Provided with quote | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk alpha lipoic acid
Alpha lipoic acid keeps best when it stays cool, sealed, and dark. Keep it away from heat even more carefully than most powders, because the melting point sits close to warehouse and press temperatures.
Keep it cool
Store well below the melting range and away from heaters, roof spaces, and sunny loading docks. Follow the temperature range on the spec sheet, and take extra care with R forms.
Keep away from light
Leave the powder in its original opaque liner and container. Light and heat can open the sulfur ring and form polymer over time.
Keep it sealed
Close the inner liner after each use and press out the air. Sealed packaging also keeps the powder from caking.
Rotate and retest
Record the lot number and retest date for each container. Send older lots to production first, and retest assay and polymer on stock held near its retest date.
Alpha lipoic acid buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is the difference between alpha-lipoic acid and R-lipoic acid?
Standard alpha-lipoic acid is racemic, a 50:50 mix of the R and S forms, while R-lipoic acid contains only the R form. The two have different CAS numbers, melting ranges, and specific rotation values. R-lipoic acid also sells at a much higher price per kilogram.
What is Na-R-ALA?
Na-R-ALA is the sodium salt of R-lipoic acid. Suppliers offer it as a form that handles heat and storage better than the free acid, so ask for their stability data. Base label figures on the stated R-lipoic acid content, not the salt weight.
Is alpha-lipoic acid the same as alpha-linolenic acid?
No. Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur containing compound, while alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. Both are often shortened to ALA, so write the full name and CAS number on purchase orders and labels.
Which purity grade should I specify?
Specify USP grade, which calls for 99.0% to 101.0% by HPLC on the dried basis. Ask the supplier to confirm that the COA uses the USP HPLC method rather than a titration assay.
How do I handle the low melting point in production?
Keep the powder, the blend, and the tablet press well below 60 °C, and below 47 °C for R forms. Watch for heat from milling and long compression runs. Softened powder sticks to tooling and can cake in hoppers.
What documents can I get with an order?
Select testing documents on the quote form and we will send what is available for the lot.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
Yes. Choose sample options on the quote form and we will confirm size and timing.
How should I store an opened container?
Close the liner, press out the air, and keep the container in a cool, dark, dry place. Use the powder within the retest date or shelf life shown on the COA.
Request a quote for bulk alpha lipoic acid
Tell us the form, grade, quantity, and timing you need. We will reply with current pricing, lot documents, and sample options for your project.
Order Alpha Lipoic AcidBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or request a quote for larger volumes, R forms, samples, and lot documents. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
