Description
CAS : 10016-20-3
Molecular Formula : C36H60O30
Molecular Weight : 972.84
Product description :
alpha-Cyclodextrin (synonyms, cyclohexaamylose, cyclomaltohexaose, alpha-Schar-dinger dextrin) is a non-reducing cyclic saccharide comprised of six glucose units linked by alpha-1,4 bonds. It is produced by the action of cyclodextrin glucosyltransferase on hydrolysed starch syrups at neutral pH (6.0–7.0) and moderate temperature (35–40 oC). The annular (or doughnut-shaped) structure of alpha-cyclodextrin provides a hydrophobic cavity that allows formation of inclusion complexes with a variety of non-polar organic molecules of appropriate size. The hydrophilic nature of the outer surface of the cyclic structure makes alpha-cyclodextrin water-soluble.
The hydrophobic cavity and the hydrophilic outer surface of alpha-cyclodextrin form the basis for its use in the food industry. alpha-Cyclodextrin, like its homologues beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin, can function as a carrier and stabilizer for flavours, colours, and sweeteners; as an absorbent for suppression of undesirable flavours and odours in foods; as an absorbent for suppression of halitosis (in breath-freshening preparations); and as a water-solubilizer for fatty acids and vitamins.
