Vitamin E

generic descriptor for all tocopherols and tocotrienols that exhibit alpha-tocopherol activity

Tocopherols (; TCP) are a class of organic compounds comprising various methylated phenols, many of which have vitamin E activity. Because the vitamin activity was first identified in 1936 from a dietary fertility factor in rats, it was named tocopherol, from Greek and , that is 'to carry a pregnancy', with the ending -ol signifying its status as a chemical alcohol.

α-Tocopherol (alpha-tocopherol) is a type of vitamin E. Its E number is "E307". Vitamin E exists in eight different forms, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. All feature a chromane ring, with a hydroxyl group that can donate a hydrogen atom to reduce free radicals and a hydrophobic side chain, along with an aromatic ring is situated near the carbonyls in the fatty acyl chains of the phospholipid bilayer, allows for penetration into biological membranes. It is found most in the membrane's non-raft domains, associated with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, to partially prevent oxidation. The most

350px|right|thumb|class=skin-invert-image|General chemical structure of tocotrienols. alpha(α)-Tocotrienol: R1 = Me, R2 = Me, R3 = Me; beta(β)-Tocotrienol: R1 = Me, R2 = H, R3= Me; gamma(γ)-Tocotrienol: R1 = H, R2 = Me, R3= Me; delta(δ)-Tocotrienol: R1 = H, R2 = H, R3= Me

chemical compound

γ-Tocopherol (gamma-tocopherol) is a tocopherol and one of the chemical compounds that comprise vitamin E. As a food additive, it has E number E308.

δ-Tocopherol (delta-tocopherol) is a tocopherol and one of the chemical compounds that is considered vitamin E. As a food additive, it has E number E309.

β-Tocopherol (beta-tocopherol) is a type of tocopherol with formula C28H48O2.

American anatomist, physician and histologist

Tocofersolan (INN; also known as tocophersolan, tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate, or TPGS) is a synthetic water-soluble version of vitamin E. Natural forms of vitamin E are fat soluble, but not water-soluble. Tocofersolan is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of α-tocopherol succinate. The addition of PEG enables water solubility.

α-Tocotrienol is a form of tocotrienol and one of the chemical compounds that is considered vitamin E.

β-Tocotrienol is a tocotrienol, a member of vitamin E family.