E 405 PROPANE-1,2-DIOL ALGINATE

Commission Directive 98/86/EC

Synonyms Hydroxypropyl alginate

1,2-propanediol ester of alginic acid
Propylene glycol alginate

Definition

Chemical name Propane-1,2-diol ester of alginic acid; varies in composition according to

its degree of esterification and the percentage of free and neutralised carboxyl groups in the molecule

Chemical formula (C9H14O7)n

(esterified)

Molecular weight 10 000-600 000 (typical average)

Assay Yields, on the anhydrous basis, not less than 16 % and not more than 20% of CO2 of carbon dioxide

Description Nearly odourless, white to yellowish brown fibrous or granular powder

Identification

A. Positive test for 1,2-propanediol and alginic acid after hydrolysis

Purity

Loss on drying Not more than 20 % (105°C, 4 hours)

Total propane-1,2-diol content Not less than 15 % and not more than 45 %

Free propane-1,2-diol content Not more than 15 %

Water-insoluble matter Not more than 2 % on the anhydrous basis

Arsenic Not more than 3 mg/kg

Lead Not more than 5 mg/kg

Mercury Not more than 1 mg/kg

Cadmium Not more than 1 mg/kg

Heavy metals (as Pb) Not more than 20 mg/kg

Total plate count Not more than 5 000 colonies per gram

Yeast and moulds Not more than 500 colonies per gram

E. coli Negative in 5 g

Salmonella spp. Negative in 10 g