Sodium Dehydrocholate

Synonyms: Dehydrocholic acid sodium salt; Sodium 3,7,12-trioxo-5β-cholan-24-oate; DHCA sodium salt; 3,7,12-Trioxo-5β-cholan-24-oic acid sodium salt; Sodium dehydrocholate

Sodium dehydrocholate is the sodium salt of dehydrocholic acid, a synthetic bile acid derivative that has been chemically modified to carry three ketone groups at the 3, 7, and 12 positions of the steroid nucleus. Unlike the naturally occurring bile acids such as cholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acid, which bear hydroxyl groups at these positions, the oxidation to ketones gives dehydrocholic acid a distinctly different physicochemical profile. This structural change eliminates the hydrogen-bonding capacity of the hydroxyls and increases the molecule’s planar character, which in turn affects its aggregation behavior in aqueous solution. The sodium salt form is freely water-soluble, making it particularly convenient for pharmaceutical formulation and biochemical research.

Historically, dehydrocholic acid was introduced as a choleretic agent—a substance that stimulates the flow of bile without significantly altering its composition. It was used in clinical practice to promote bile secretion in patients with biliary stasis or post-cholecystectomy. While newer agents have largely replaced it in human medicine, the compound remains relevant as a pharmaceutical intermediate and as a reference standard in bile acid analysis. Its sodium salt is often chosen when aqueous solubility is required, such as in injectable solutions or in vitro assays.

From a chemical standpoint, sodium dehydrocholate is a C24 steroid with a carboxylate group at the side chain. The three ketones at C3, C7, and C12 are the defining feature, and they render the molecule more polar than its hydroxylated counterparts. This polarity influences its chromatographic behavior and its interaction with proteins and membranes. In the laboratory, it is used as a model compound to study bile acid transport, micelle formation, and the effects of bile acids on enzyme activity. Its sodium salt is also employed as a choleretic standard in analytical methods.

For B2B buyers, sodium dehydrocholate is typically sourced as a high-purity chemical for further manufacturing or research. It is not a botanical extract but a well-characterized synthetic compound, and specifications focus on assay, solubility, and residual solvents. The material is generally produced via oxidation of cholic acid followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. Quality control includes HPLC assay, water content, and heavy metal limits. Because it is a fine chemical, batch-to-batch consistency is critical for downstream applications.

Function

• Choleretic activity: Stimulates bile production and flow, historically used to treat biliary stasis.
• Pharmaceutical intermediate: Serves as a starting material for the synthesis of other bile acid derivatives.
• Biochemical research: Used as a model compound in studies of bile acid transport and metabolism.
• Analytical standard: Employed as a reference standard in HPLC and LC-MS methods for bile acid quantification.
• Solubilizing agent: Acts as a hydrotrope to enhance the aqueous solubility of poorly soluble compounds.

Source & Standardization

• Source: Synthetic, derived from cholic acid or other bile acids.
• Production: Oxidation of cholic acid to dehydrocholic acid, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide to form the sodium salt.
• Standardization: ≥98.0% assay by HPLC; meets pharmacopeial requirements for identity and purity.
• Forms: White to off-white crystalline powder.
• Applications: Pharmaceutical manufacturing, biochemical research, analytical standards, choleretic formulations.

Specifications

Documentation & Supply

• Monthly capacity: 500 kg
• Lead time: 3-5 business days (stock items)
• Documentation: COA, MSDS, TDS available upon request
• Packaging: 25 kg fiber drum with double polyethylene liner; custom packaging available

Request For Quote

• LyvBio Co., Ltd. — Email: info@lyvbio.com