1,3-Dihydroxyacetone 96-26-4

��发布时间：2025-03-27 ��浏览次数：898次

 Chemical Name: 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

CAS Number: 96-26-4

Molecular Formula: C3H6O3

Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol

Structural Type: Triose Ketose

Appearance: White to light yellow crystalline powder

Solubility: Easily soluble in water, ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents

Melting Point: 75-80°C

Stability: Hygroscopic and prone to degradation

What is 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone?
1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a naturally occurring three-carbon sugar, and one of the simplest ketoses. It was first produced through the microbial oxidation of glycerol. DHA plays an important role in biological metabolism and serves as an intermediate in sugar metabolism, participating in biochemical reactions like glycolysis.

The most well-known use of DHA is as a key ingredient in self-tanning cosmetics. It reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of the skin to form brown compounds, giving the skin a natural tan without exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Functions of 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone

Sunless Tanning

DHA is the most common self-tanning agent, used in lotions, sprays, and wipes.

The mechanism works by reacting with the amino acids in the stratum corneum to form brown polymers, giving the skin a healthy, naturally tanned appearance.

Advantages: Provides a tanning effect without sun exposure, avoiding the risk of skin aging and cancer caused by UV rays.

Medical and Skin Treatment

Vitiligo Treatment: DHA is used to temporarily cover areas of pigmentation loss caused by vitiligo, providing cosmetic relief.

Even Skin Tone: Included in skincare products to help improve uneven skin tone.

Food and Biochemical Research

As an intermediate in sugar metabolism, DHA can be biosynthetically converted into pyruvate, entering the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to provide energy to cells.

In food science, DHA may be used as a sweetener or food additive, though its applications are less common.

Pharmaceutical and Organic Synthesis

DHA can be used as an intermediate in organic synthesis for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.

Due to its potential to be converted into pyruvate, DHA holds value in research on diabetes, metabolic diseases, and bioenergy.

Conclusion
1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a naturally occurring three-carbon sugar, primarily used as the core ingredient in self-tanning products. It reacts with skin proteins to darken the skin without sun exposure. Additionally, DHA is used in medical skin treatments, food science, biochemical research, and organic synthesis. Due to its high safety profile, DHA is widely used in personal care and beauty products.