Xanthan Gum CAS:11138-66-2
Xanthan Gum (CAS 11138-66-2) is a highly efficient thickener that enhances viscosity and modifies texture in liquid-based products. It delivers superior stabilization by preventing phase separation in emulsions and foams, ensuring long-term uniformity. Widely applied across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors, it offers consistent and reliable performance. Derived from natural fermentation of plant-based sugars, it is biodegradable and recognized as safe for sensitive applications.
Xanthan Gum (CAS 11138-66-2) is a high-performance polysaccharide thickener that efficiently builds viscosity and improves the texture of aqueous and liquid-based systems. It provides excellent stabilization by preventing phase separation in emulsions and suspensions, ensuring homogeneous and long-lasting formulations. Its remarkable versatility makes it a preferred ingredient across food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial products, where consistent performance is essential. Produced by natural microbial fermentation of plant-derived sugars, it is readily biodegradable and widely accepted as safe for both personal care and sensitive food applications.
Xanthan Gum (CAS 11138-66-2) – Physicochemical Profile
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | GUM XANTHAN; GLUCOMANNAN MAYO; GALACTOMANNANE; XANTHAN GUM, FCC; XANTHAN GUM, NF; XANTHATE GUM; XANTHAN NF, USP |
| CAS Number | 11138-66-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₄Cl₂N₂O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 241.11 g/mol |
| EINECS | 234-394-2 |
| Product Categories | API; thickener; oil drilling chemicals; food additives; mud drilling chemicals; food & feed additives |
| Melting Point | 64.43 °C |
| Storage Conditions | Hygroscopic; store at –20 °C under inert atmosphere |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water, yielding highly viscous solutions; practically insoluble in organic solvents |
| Physical Form | Solid |
| Color | Off-white to pale yellow |
| Odor / Taste | Slight organic odor; tasteless |
| Biological Source | Xanthomonas campestris |
| Merck Index | 14,10057 |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; combustible; incompatible with strong oxidizing agents |
| Partition Coefficient (Log P) | ~3.93 (estimated) |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C8H12N2O2.2ClH/c9-6-1-2-8(7(10)5-6)12-4-3-11;;/h1-2,5,11H,3-4,9-10H2;2*1H |
| InChIKey | VXYWXJXCQSDNHX-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | C(O)COC1=CC=C(N)C=C1N.[H]Cl.[H]Cl |
| EPA Substance Registry | Xanthan gum (11138-66-2) |
Application Areas of Xanthan Gum
1. Food & Beverage Industry
Thickening & Texturizing: Provides desired viscosity and mouthfeel in sauces, dressings, gravies, and soups.
Stabilization: Prevents phase separation in dairy products, beverages, and syrups; keeps fruit pulp and other solids in suspension.
Freeze-Thaw Stability: Inhibits ice crystal formation in frozen foods such as ice creams and sorbets.
Gluten-Free Baking: Improves dough structure, moisture retention, and crumb texture in gluten-free breads and pastries.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
Emulsification & Thickening: Stabilizes emulsions and thickens lotions, creams, shampoos, and shower gels.
Sensory Enhancement: Imparts a smooth, non-sticky feel and improves spreadability.
Suspension: Suspends exfoliating beads, pigments, or active ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
3. Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
Suspending Agent: Ensures uniform distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients in liquid preparations.
Binder & Matrix Former: Used in tablet formulations to control drug release and improve mechanical strength.
Oral Care: Incorporated in toothpaste and mouthwashes for thickening and uniform flavor delivery.
4. Industrial & Oilfield Applications
Drilling Fluids: Serves as a primary viscosifier and cuttings suspension agent in water-based muds for oil and gas drilling.
Enhanced Oil Recovery: Used in polymer flooding to improve sweep efficiency.
Hydraulic Fracturing: Provides proppant suspension and friction reduction in slickwater and linear gel systems.
5. Other Applications
Agriculture: Acts as a drift control agent and suspension aid in crop protection sprays and fertilizers.
Household & Industrial Cleaners: Thickens and stabilizes bleach-based or acidic cleaners without degradation.
Textiles & Paints: Utilized in textile printing pastes, ceramic glazes, and latex paints as a rheology modifier.






