

Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD / HP-β-CD) with CAS 128446-35-5
What is Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD)?
Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD, HPBCD, Hydroxypropyl Betadex) is a hydroxypropylated derivative of natural beta-cyclodextrin. It is produced by the etherification of β-cyclodextrin with propylene oxide under alkaline conditions, introducing hydroxypropyl groups onto the cyclodextrin ring. This modification overcomes the poor water solubility and relatively high nephrotoxicity of native β-cyclodextrin, while preserving its unique “externally hydrophilic, internally hydrophobic” cavity structure.
Based on this molecular structure, HPBCD can encapsulate poorly water-soluble drug molecules, flavors, fragrances, and other active compounds to form inclusion complexes.
Runtai Chemical supplies high-purity Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin — also known as HPBCD, HP-β-CD, Hydroxypropyl Betadex, or 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CAS 128446-35-5) — in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic grades.
Key Features of HPBCD
- Excellent water solubility: Much more soluble than native β-cyclodextrin. It forms clear, low-viscosity aqueous solutions, making it ideal for oral liquids, injections and other liquid formulations.
- Strong solubilization & complexation: The hydrophobic cavity encapsulates poorly water-soluble APIs and actives, dramatically increasing apparent solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability.
- High safety and low toxicity: Very low hemolytic activity and low nephrotoxicity. HPBCD is approved by the FDA and EMA for use in injectable, oral and topical pharmaceutical products and complies with USP, EP standards.
- Improved stability: Protects encapsulated actives from light, heat, oxygen, hydrolysis and volatilization, effectively extending product shelf life.
- Taste and odor masking: Effectively masks bitterness, fishy or unpleasant odors, and reduces irritation to the skin, mucosa and gastrointestinal tract.
- Broad formulation compatibility: Non-ionic, stable over a wide pH and temperature range, compatible with most formulation ingredients, and easy to handle as a free-flowing powder.
Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD / HP-β-CD) Description
- Chemical Name: Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD / HP-β-CD / Hydroxypropyl Betadex)
- CAS No.:128446-35-5 (also 94035-02-6, 136019-12-0)
- EINECS:420-920-1
- Molecular Formula:(C6H10O5)7·(C3H6O)n / C42H70-nO35(C3H7O)n
- Molecular weight:1134.98+58n
- Appearance: White or almost white powder
- Synonyms: Beta-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, HPBCD, HP-β-CD, HPβCD, HPCD, HPBC
Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD / HP-β-CD) Typical Properties
| Item | Specification | Results | |
| Appearance | White or almost white amorphous or crystalline powder, freely soluble in water or propylene glycol. | Conforms | |
| Identification | Infrared Spectrometry | The infrared spectrum of this product shows the same absorption bands as the standard sample. | Conforms |
| Clarity of solution | Complies with the standard | Conforms | |
| Molar Degree of Substitution | 0.40-1.50 | 0.66 | |
| Clarity of solution | 1.0 g/2.0 mL water solution is clear. | Conforms | |
| Conductivity(20℃) | ≤ 200 μs/cm | 59.2 | |
| Betadex | ≤1.5% | 0.30 | |
| 1,2-Propylene Glycol | ≤2.5% | 0.09 | |
| Any Other Single Impurity | ≤0.25% | ND | |
| Total Impurities excluding betadex and propylene glycol | ≤1.0% | ND | |
| Propylene Oxide | ≤1ppm | ND | |
| Loss on Drying | ≤10.0% | 3.28 | |
| The total aerobic microbial count | ≤1000cfu/g | <10 | |
| The total combined molds and yeasts count | ≤100cfu/g | <10 | |
| Bacterial endotoxins | ≤10EU/g | <10 | |
| Conclusion | Compliant to the USP-NF2024 | ||
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Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD / HP-β-CD) Applications
1. Pharmaceutical Industry: HPBCD is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient and solubilizer. It improves the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble APIs in oral tablets/capsules, oral solutions, injectables, ophthalmic, nasal and topical preparations. It also serves as a protein stabilizer, helps control drug release, and reduces drug toxicity and local irritation. Typical uses include antifungal, anti-inflammatory, corticosteroid and chemotherapeutic formulations.
2. Food & Nutraceuticals: In food, beverage and dietary supplement applications, Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin works as an encapsulation and stabilizing agent: it stabilizes flavors and fat-soluble vitamins, masks bitter or off tastes (for example, green tea bitterness), improves emulsification, and enables the slow release of preservatives to extend shelf life.
3. Cosmetics & Personal Care: HPBCD encapsulates sensitive cosmetic actives such as retinol, vitamin C, fragrances and essential oils. It increases their water solubility, enhances stability against oxidation and volatilization, provides controlled release, and reduces skin irritation, making it popular in high-end skincare formulations.
4. Industrial & Analytical Applications: It is also used in chiral separation, analytical chemistry, environmental treatment, textile processing and odor control as a molecular inclusion agent.
Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin (HPBCD / HP-β-CD) Package & Storage
- Standard Packaging
Sample / small packs: 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg aluminum foil bag with inner PE bag.
Bulk packs: 20 kg bag or 25 kg fiber drum (ID 42 cm × H 52 cm, net weight 25 kg, gross weight 28 kg), lined with double food/pharma-grade PE bags. - Storage
Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place. Keep the container tightly sealed and protect from light and moisture. Under proper storage in original unopened packaging, the shelf life is 24 months.
FAQ
Is Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin safe for pharmaceutical use?
Yes. HPBCD has low toxicity and low hemolytic activity and is approved by the FDA and EMA for use in injectable, oral, and topical drug products. It complies with major pharmacopoeia standards such as USP/NF, EP, and ChP.
What is your MOQ, price and delivery time?
The MOQ is usually 1 kg for evaluation. Price depends on grade, quantity and packaging — please contact us for a factory-direct quotation. Delivery is typically within 3–7 working days after order confirmation.

