Overview
Guanine (CAS 73-40-5 ), also known commercially as Pearl Essence and Natural White 1, is a naturally occurring purine base sourced primarily from fish scales. It is used across cosmetics, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical applications.
Its crystalline platelet structure produces a distinctive iridescent optical effect, making it a sought-after ingredient in pearlescent formulations. In life sciences, it functions as a biochemical reference material and nucleotide synthesis building block.
In personal care manufacturing, guanine is incorporated into nail polishes, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and shampoos to deliver pearl-like shimmer and light diffusion. Cosmetic formulators value it as a natural-origin alternative to synthetic mica.
In pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, it serves as a precursor and reference standard in nucleoside and nucleotide synthesis workflows. Diagnostic reagent producers also source it as a high-purity analytical standard for assay development.
Guanine is supplied as a fine crystalline powder, typically in natural or synthetic origin grades depending on the application. Cosmetic-grade material is available to meet INCI-compliant formulation requirements for global distribution.
Pharmaceutical and biotech buyers source USP or research-grade specifications with defined purity thresholds. Packaging ranges from small laboratory quantities to bulk industrial volumes to meet diverse manufacturing needs.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 360 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 273.11°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.4456 (rough estimate) |
| Appearance | white to light yellow crystal powder |
| Color | White to cream |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | Powder |
| Water Solubility | practically insoluble |
| Refractive Index | 2.0000 (estimate) |
| Log P | -0.910 |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29335900 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 73-40-5
- EC Number
- 200-799-8
- Mol. Weight
- 151.13
- HS Code
- 29335900
- Category
- Amino Acids & Peptides