Xanthan gum (CAS 11138-66-2) is a high-molecular-weight, water-soluble polysaccharide produced by aerobic fermentation with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is a strong, shear-thinning thickener, suspending agent and stabiliser used across food, pharmaceutical, personal care, oilfield and general industrial applications. PolyBlueChem supplies xanthan gum in food grade and API grade, at 80 mesh and 200 mesh.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white or light-yellow free-flowing powder |
| Mesh size | 80 mesh / 200 mesh |
| Viscosity, 1% XG in 1% KCl | 1,300–1,700 cP (Brookfield LVDV-II+, No.3 spindle, 60 rpm, 25 ± 1 °C) |
| Assay (of carbon dioxide) | 91–108 (4.2%–5%) |
| Shearing ratio | ≥ 6.5 |
| pH (1% XG solution) | 6.0–8.0 |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 13.0% |
| Ash | ≤ 13.0% |
| Pyruvic acid | ≥ 1.5% |
| Total nitrogen | ≤ 1.5% |
| Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol | ≤ 500 ppm |
| Total heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 20 ppm |
| Pb / As / Hg / Cd | ≤ 2 / ≤ 2 / ≤ 1 / ≤ 1 ppm |
| Total plate count | ≤ 2,000 cfu/g |
| Yeasts and moulds | ≤ 100 cfu/g |
| Coliforms | ≤ 3 MPN/g |
| Escherichia coli | Absent in 5 g |
| Salmonella | Absent in 25 g |
| Xanthomonas campestris | Absent in 1 g |
Conforms to the standard of E415 and the FCC.
Applications
- Food and beverage: thickener, stabiliser, suspending agent (E415); gluten-free baking, dressings, sauces, dairy and beverages.
- Pharmaceutical and personal care: suspending agent, thickener and gel former for suspensions, syrups, creams and cleansers.
- Oil and gas: drilling-fluid viscosifier and suspending agent, completion and drill-in fluids, and enhanced oil recovery.
- Industrial: textile printing pastes, paper, agriculture, cleaning products and construction.
Packaging and Storage
Supplied in 25 kg multiwall paper bags or fibre drums with an inner liner, or as agreed. Store in a cool, dry place in sealed packaging; xanthan gum is hygroscopic and should be protected from moisture.
FAQ
What is xanthan gum’s CAS number? CAS 11138-66-2.
Is it soluble in cold water? Yes. Xanthan gum hydrates in both cold and hot water and is insoluble in most organic solvents.
Which mesh sizes are available? 80 mesh and 200 mesh; finer mesh hydrates faster.
Further Information
For the full technical background, see Xanthan Gum (CAS 11138-66-2): Chemical Properties, Production Process, and Applications. To request current specifications, a COA or a quotation, contact the PolyBlueChem team.
