Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of glucose or sucrose, widely used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in various applications.
Xanthan Gum is renowned for its ability to improve viscosity and provide stability in food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
Xanthan Gum offers high shear-thinning properties, making it ideal for products that need a smooth texture and easy application.
CAS Number: 11138-66-2
EC Number: 234-394-2
Molecular Formula: (C35H49O29)n
Molecular Weight: Approx. 933.748 g/mol (average molecular weight of repeating unit)
Synonyms: Xanthan, Corn Sugar Gum, Polysaccharide B-1459, Thickener Xanthan Gum, Emulsifying Gum, Stabilizer Gum
APPLICATIONS
Xanthan Gum is widely used in sauces, dressings, and gravies as a thickener and stabilizer, providing a smooth texture and preventing ingredient separation.
Xanthan Gum is essential in salad dressings, where it enhances viscosity and ensures that oil and water phases remain emulsified for a consistent product.
Xanthan Gum is used in baked goods, where it improves dough elasticity and provides a better crumb structure, enhancing the texture of gluten-free products.
Xanthan Gum is applied in ice creams and frozen desserts, where it prevents ice crystal formation, giving the product a creamy texture and improving freeze-thaw stability.
Xanthan Gum is found in dairy and non-dairy beverages, where it stabilizes proteins, preventing sedimentation and improving mouthfeel.
Xanthan Gum is used in fruit juices and smoothies as a suspending agent, keeping pulp and other particles uniformly dispersed.
Xanthan Gum is incorporated into cosmetic formulations, including lotions and creams, where it provides a smooth, non-greasy texture and improves product stability.
Xanthan Gum is utilized in personal care products like shampoos and conditioners, where it enhances viscosity, improving application and spreadability.
Xanthan Gum is applied in toothpaste, where it acts as a binder, stabilizing ingredients and ensuring consistent texture.
Xanthan Gum is employed in pharmaceutical suspensions and gels, where it acts as a stabilizer and improves viscosity for better application and effectiveness.
Xanthan Gum is used in industrial applications, including paints and coatings, where it provides viscosity control, ensuring consistent application and stability.
Xanthan Gum is found in agricultural formulations, where it stabilizes pesticides and herbicides, improving sprayability and adherence to plant surfaces.
Xanthan Gum is used in meat and poultry products as a binder, improving water retention and texture in sausages, burgers, and other processed items.
Xanthan Gum is applied in gluten-free bread and pastries, where it enhances dough strength and elasticity, replicating the texture provided by gluten.
Xanthan Gum is essential in medical foods and supplements, where it improves texture and stability, making products more palatable.
DESCRIPTION
Xanthan Gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris through a fermentation process, resulting in a versatile thickening and stabilizing agent.
Xanthan Gum is widely used across food, personal care, and industrial applications due to its superior viscosity control, emulsification, and shear-thinning properties.
In food products, Xanthan Gum provides viscosity and stability, maintaining product consistency even under varying temperatures and pH levels.
Xanthan Gum is highly effective in stabilizing emulsions, preventing ingredient separation, and enhancing mouthfeel, making it a staple in sauces, dressings, and beverages.
The compound’s high viscosity at low concentrations makes Xanthan Gum a cost-effective choice for manufacturers, delivering optimal performance in minimal amounts.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Xanthan Gum provides a smooth texture, improves application, and prevents ingredient separation in lotions, creams, and gels.
Xanthan Gum is known for its unique rheological properties, where it thins under shear but returns to its original viscosity when at rest, making it ideal for products requiring easy application but thick consistency in the container.
Xanthan Gum is biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic, making it suitable for use in sustainable and eco-conscious formulations.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: (C35H49O29)n
Molecular Weight: Approx. 933.748 g/mol (repeating unit)
Common Name: Xanthan Gum (Thickener)
Appearance: White to light yellow powder
Density: 1.5 g/cm³
Boiling Point: N/A
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting
Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in organic solvents
Flash Point: N/A
Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; avoid strong oxidizing agents
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Storage Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
Vapor Pressure: Low
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
If Xanthan Gum dust is inhaled, move the affected person to fresh air immediately.
If breathing difficulties persist, seek immediate medical attention.
If the person is not breathing, administer artificial respiration.
Keep the affected person warm and at rest.
Skin Contact:
Wash the affected area with soap and water.
If skin irritation or rash develops, seek medical attention.
Eye Contact:
In case of eye contact, flush the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids.
Seek immediate medical attention if irritation or redness persists.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing.
Ingestion:
If Xanthan Gum is ingested in large quantities, drink water to dilute and consult a healthcare professional.
Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water.
Seek medical attention if gastrointestinal discomfort occurs.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote.
Provide supportive care.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Personal Protection:
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks when handling large quantities of Xanthan Gum.
Use in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of dust particles.
Ventilation:
Ensure adequate ventilation when handling large amounts of Xanthan Gum to control airborne concentrations below occupational exposure limits.
Avoidance:
Avoid generating dust and direct contact with eyes.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling Xanthan Gum.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain spills to prevent further release and minimize exposure.
Sweep up spills carefully to avoid dust generation and dispose of according to local regulations.
Storage:
Store Xanthan Gum in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers.
Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination and moisture absorption.
Store away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and excessive humidity.
Handling Cautions:
Avoid inhalation of dust and direct contact with eyes and skin.
Use explosion-proof equipment in areas where dust particles may be present.