Pectin

What is Pectin?

Molecular Formula (Pectin): C₆H₁₂O₆

Molecular Weight: Unknown

Chemical Name: Pectin

CAS Number: 9000-69-5

This substance is a high molecular weight polyuronide. It is a type of polysaccharide. It is a carbohydrate produced by isolating it from the peels of green apples and citrus products.

Its known structure consists of polygalacturonic acid. This substance is found in the cell walls of plants or the tissues between cells.

It has similar properties to gelatin. it meets almost all the characteristics of gelatin. While gelatin is obtained from animal products, pectin is produced entirely from plants.

Other Names Are As Follows;

• 9000-69-6
• High Ester
• Polysaccharide
• Starch
• Pectin

How is Pectin Produced?

It is a methyl-modified ester of polygalacturonic acid. It is found in the cell walls of all plants.

Pectin production is obtained from the pomace that emerges after pressing the peels of apples in cider-making facilities.

During the production process, citrus and apple peels are dissolved with the help of water and dilute acid. The resulting substance is evaporated and extracted. In the subsequent process, the obtained pectin is packaged.

Substances such as ethyl alcohol and lactose are used in the extraction process.

It is also produced from sugar beet peel. When evaluated, it will be observed that the production process utilizes by-products from fruit juice and sugar production.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

In terms of physical appearance, it has a yellow or pale brown color and is in solid powder form.

Melting Point is in the range of 175 to 180 °C.

Density: 0.8 – 1.0 g/cm³

Boiling Point: No information available.

Solubility is 0.02 g/10 ml.

It is odorless.

Storage temperature is in the range of 2-8 °C.

What are the Application Areas of Pectin?

• It is used in the manufacture of medicines produced against poisoning caused by lead, strontium, and some heavy metals.
• Humans may be exposed to high cholesterol, triglycerides, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. It is used to prevent such disorders.
• Benefiting from its ability to dissolve quickly in the mouth and in aqueous environments, it is used in the manufacture of orally administered active substances and breath-freshening pharmaceutical products.
• In the medical field, it is used in the treatment of reflux and diabetes.
• In the food sector, pectin can be used as a thickener while mixing drying and protective agents during the freeze-drying process.
• It has been used together with kaolin in the pharmaceutical industry to control diarrhea.
• It is used as a thickening agent and binding agent in the production of edible toothpaste.
• It is used to eliminate some skin disorders.
• Benefiting from its thickening property, it is a chemical used as an adhesive in prosthesis production.
• It is used by being modified with another stabilizer, Guar Gum, to lower lipoprotein cholesterol.
• In the health field, it has been determined that the duration of diarrhea is shortened after being used as an active component of drugs used in the treatment of diarrhea.
• It is used to provide consistency in jams, jellies, fillings, and fruit juices. In this area, its gelling property is utilized.
• It is used as a stabilizer in fruit juices and dairy products.
• In wine production, pectin is used as a binder to accelerate the fermentation process and prevent the occurrence of unwanted reactions.
• It is used as a non-ionic thickening chemical in the production of concentrated Salicylic Acid gel.
• It is used as a thickening agent in the production of confectionery or gummy candies.
• It is among the main components used in the production of fig leather (pestil). The most important issue in the production of fig leather is the degree of gelation of the pectin to be used. Whether high-methoxyl or low-methoxyl pectin will be used is prepared based on certain studies.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

Pectin prices are directly dependent on the prices of the chemicals used in its production. As citrus and apple prices increase, prices will rise.

The number of companies producing pectin is the most important factor affecting prices. As the number of companies producing this substance increases, prices will experience short-term decreases.

As companies selling pectin increase their stocks, prices will decrease in the short term.

Companies that are pectin distributors generally have a decisive influence on prices.