Description
Cas No.:
9005-34
-9(NH4+)
9005
-35
-0 (Ca+)
9005
-36
-1 (K+)
9005
-38
-3 (Na+)
12698
-40
-7(Na+/Ca+)
These are the salts of alginic acid, a hydrophilic colloidal carbohydrate extracted by the use of dilute alkali from various
species of brown seaweeds. These salts are generally odorless and tasteless. Alginic acid is a linear glycuronoglycan consisting
mainly of β-(1→4) linked D-mannuronic acid and L-glycuronic acid units in the pyranose ring form.
Regulatory Status
CoE: n/a
FDA: 21 CFR 173.310; 184.1133, 582.7133 (Ammonium alginate); 184.1187, 582.7187 (Calcium alginate); 184.1610, 582.7610 (Potassium alginate); 133.178, 133.179, 150.141, 150.161, 173.310, 184.1724, 582.7724 (Sodium alginate)
FDA (other): n/a
JECFA:ADI: Not specified (1992) (applies to the entire class of which individual compounds are a member)
Chemical Properties
These are the salts of alginic acid, a hydrophilic colloidal carbohydrate extracted by the use of dilute alkali from various species of brown seaweeds. These salts are generally odorless and tasteless. Alginic acid is a linear glycuronoglycan consisting
mainly of β-(1→4) linked D-mannuronic acid and L-glycuronic acid units in the pyranose ring form
Agricultural Uses
Alginates are a type of commercially exploited seaweed
hydrocolloids, the other two being agars and
carrageenam, which are also important hydrophilic
colloids.
