Customization: | Available |
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CAS No.: | 1398-61-4 |
Formula: | N/a |
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Chitin, with the CAS number 1398-61-4, is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is found in the cell walls of fungi and exoskeletons of arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans. It is a linear polymer of N-acetyl-glucosamine, which is an amino sugar, and is chemically similar to cellulose. Chitin is considered the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose.
Structurally, chitin is a long-chain polymer consisting of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It forms tough and flexible microfibrils that provide structural support to various organisms.
Chitin is known for its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, which makes it a valuable material in medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. For instance, it is used in the production of biomedical materials like wound dressings and has been investigated for its potential use in drug delivery systems.
In industry, chitin is used in various applications such as a stabilizer in food, a chelating agent in water treatment, and as a component in cosmetics. It also has uses in agriculture as a biopesticide and growth promoter.
The substance is typically extracted from waste shells of shrimps and crabs through a process that involves demineralization with acids, deproteinization with alkalis, and decolorization with oxidizing agents