Chitosan - 9012-76-4

Key Functions: Food Contact & Additives, Pesticides & Biocides

Chitosan is a polycationic carbohydrate polymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin, which is a naturally occurring polymer and structural component found in the exoskeleton of arthropods and in the cells walls of fungi and yeast. The primary units of chitosan, D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-Dglucosamine, are linked by 1-4 glycosidic bonds. Chitosan varies in molecular weight (~3 – 3,600 kDa) and degree of acetylation (40% - 100%). Solubility is obtained at approximately 50% deacetylation, but also depends on molecular weight and distribution of the remaining acetyl groups (NTP 2017). Viscosity of the chitosan substance is determined by chain length. Technical grade chitosan has a viscosity of 250-600 mPa.s and ~70-80% deacetylation while grades for cosmetic or dietary use have viscosities of 10-100 mPa.s and 85-92% deacetylation (Ashfords 2024).

Chemical Synonyms Poliglusam (PubChem 2024), 2-Amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucosamine; Deacetylated chitin; poly (Dglucosamine) (NTP 2017)

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