Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Pharmaceutical Grade | Lipophilic Solvent & Drug Carrier for Oral/Topical/Injectable | USP/EP/ChP

Our Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT) is a high-purity pharmaceutical excipient composed of triglycerides of saturated caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids, derived from coconut and palm kernel oils . It appears as a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish, low-viscosity oily liquid with neutral odor and taste . MCT serves as an excellent solvent for lipophilic drugs, drug carrier for enhanced bioavailability, emollient for topical formulations, and penetration enhancer for dermal delivery . It offers superior oxidative stability, rapid absorption (direct portal circulation without bile salts), and excellent compatibility with APIs and other excipients . Conforms to USP-NF, EP, JP, and ChP pharmacopoeias with CDE registration F20220000316 . Suitable for oral solutions/capsules, topical creams/ointments, parenteral nutrition, and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS).

Get a Quote

Product Detail

Pharmaceutical Grade Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT)

Product Overview

Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT) is a well-established pharmaceutical excipient consisting of a mixture of triglycerides of saturated fatty acids, mainly caprylic acid (C8H16O2, octanoic acid) and capric acid (C10H20O2, decanoic acid) . These triglycerides are obtained from the fixed oil extracted from the hard, dried fraction of the endosperm of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) or from the dried endosperm of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) . The fatty acids are separated from the fat oil and re-esterified with glycerol to produce the final product .

Product Identity:

Chemical Name: Medium-Chain Triglycerides / Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
CAS Number: 73398-61-5 (also 85409-09-2 or 538-24-9)
CDE Registration No.: F20220000316
Pharmacopoeia Compliance: ChP (CP2020), USP-NF (Medium-Chain Triglycerides), EP (Triglycerides, Medium-Chain), JP (Medium chain fatty acid triglyceride)
Synonyms: MCT oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerides mixed decanoyl and octanoyl, Miglyol® 812 equivalent, Labrafac™ CC equivalent
Appearance: Colorless to slightly yellowish oily liquid, practically odorless and tasteless
Freezing Point: Approximately 0°C

Key Features & Benefits

1. Superior Solvent Characteristics

Excellent solvent for lipophilic drugs and poorly water-soluble APIs
Enhances solubilization and stabilization of lipophilic compounds
Improves bioavailability of Class II and Class IV drugs (BCS classification)

2. Rapid Absorption & Metabolism

Absorbed directly into portal circulation without need for bile salts or pancreatic enzymes
Rapidly metabolized to provide quick energy
Faster delivery of API to systemic circulation, potentially improving onset of action

3. Excellent Stability Profile

High resistance to oxidation (iodine value ≤1.0)
Low susceptibility to thermal and oxidative stress
Maintains stability and shelf-life of pharmaceutical formulations
Stable over wide range of storage temperatures (≤25°C recommended)

4. Superior Physical Properties

Viscosity: ~30 mPa·s at 20°C (low viscosity for easy handling)
Specific Gravity: 0.93-0.96 at 20°C
Refractive Index: 1.440-1.452 at 20°C
Low viscosity suitable for liquid and semi-solid dosage forms

5. Excellent Compatibility

Compatible with wide range of APIs and pharmaceutical excipients
Can be easily incorporated into various formulations without compatibility issues
Neutral odor and taste – ideal for oral formulations where palatability is important

6. Regulatory & Safety Profile