PEG-Tocopherol

PEG-tocophorol is a synthetic, water-soluble derivative of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) designed to overcome the inherent fat solubility of natural tocopherols. It is synthesized by esterifying the succinate derivative of α-tocopherol with polyethylene glycol (PEG), resulting in a amphiphilic molecule with a lipophilic tocopherol head and a hydrophilic PEG tail. This conjugation imparts enhanced aqueous solubility and micellar-forming properties, enabling PEG-tocophorol to serve as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and absorption enhancer for poorly bioavailable lipophilic compounds in pharmaceutical formulations. The PEG moiety provides steric stabilization and biocompatibility, while the tocopherol component retains antioxidant activity, protecting against oxidative stress in biological systems.