What is Propylene Glycol Alginate CAS 9005-37-2?

Propylene Glycol Alginate, commonly abbreviated as PGA and listed as E405, is the propylene glycol ester of alginic acid. It is supplied as a white to light-yellow powder and is used as an acid-tolerant thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations.

Why is PGA preferred over sodium alginate in acidic beverages?

Sodium alginate tends to gel or precipitate below about pH 4, while PGA remains functional in low-pH systems such as fruit drinks, yogurt beverages, and beer. This acid stability allows PGA to suspend pulp, stabilize emulsions, and improve beer foam without reacting prematurely.

How should formulators choose the viscosity and use level of Propylene Glycol Alginate?

The typical 1% solution viscosity range is about 20-500 mPa.s, and the normal use level is around 0.2-0.7% by weight depending on the target texture and acid content. Lower-viscosity grades generally suit beverages and high-shear systems, while higher-viscosity grades provide more body in sauces, dressings, and dairy products.

What are the main applications of Propylene Glycol Alginate E405?

In food, PGA is used in acidic beverages, beer foam stabilization, salad dressings, sauces, and frozen dairy. It also acts as a controlled-release binder or film former in pharmaceuticals and as an acid-tolerant stabilizer in creams and lotions.

Propylene Glycol Alginate CAS 9005-37-2

Propylene Glycol Alginate is a chemically modified derivative of alginic acid, where a portion of the carboxyl groups are esterified with propylene glycol to enhance acid resistance and emulsifying properties. This semi-synthetic hydrocolloid, commonly known as PGA, functions through its dual-nature structure containing both hydrophilic carboxyl/hydroxyl groups and lipophilic ester groups, a reaction mechanism that enables it to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions even under low pH conditions where natural alginates would typically precipitate. Primarily utilized in the beverage industry as a foam stabilizer and in the food sector as a thickener, this alginate ester serves as a critical industrial supply for maintaining suspension stability and improving mouthfeel in acidic dairy and juice-based formulations. Its technical versatility extends to pharmaceutical applications where it acts as a binder and disintegrant in tablet coatings. We provide competitive factory pricing for various mesh sizes and viscosity levels to meet customized specifications, ensuring reliable bulk supply supported by complete technical documentation including MSDS, TDS, COA.

CAS: 9005-37-2
Synonyms: PGA, Hydroxypropyl alginate, Propylene glycol ester of alginic acid, 1,2-Propanediol alginate, Alginic acid, ester with 1,2-propanediol, E405
Einecs: 618-414-0
Molecular Formula: (C9H14O7)n
Grade: Food Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade
Package: 25kg/drum or 25kg/kraft bag

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Product Description

Technical Data

Property	Specification (Food Grade Standard)
Appearance	White to light yellowish powder
Degree of Esterification	≥ 80.0%
Purity (Alginic Acid)	40.0% – 45.0%
Viscosity (1% Solution)	20 – 500 mPa.s (Customizable)
Loss on Drying	≤ 20.0%
Ash Content	≤ 10.0%
Arsenic (As)	≤ 3 mg/kg
Lead (Pb)	≤ 5 mg/kg

Applications

Beverage Industry: Specifically used as a foam stabilizer in beer and as a suspension agent in acidic fruit juices and yogurt drinks.
Food Processing: Applied as a thickener and emulsifier in salad dressings, sauces, and frozen dairy products to prevent ice crystal formation.
Pharmaceuticals: Functions as a stabilizing agent for emulsions and as a specialized binder in controlled-release drug delivery systems.
Cosmetic Raw Materials: Employed in creams and lotions as a thickening agent and to improve formulation stability under varying temperature conditions.

For related Sodium Alginate and Xanthan Gum hydrocolloid options, product selection should follow the required acid tolerance, viscosity profile, and processing conditions.

Storage & Safety

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Propylene Glycol Alginate is sensitive to heat and moisture; prolonged exposure to temperatures above 25°C can lead to a decrease in viscosity and degradation of the ester groups. Ensure containers are hermetically sealed.
Safety & PPE: PGA is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for its intended uses. However, during industrial bulk handling, fine dust may be generated. Operators should wear standard safety glasses, protective gloves, and a dust mask (N95) to avoid inhalation of fine particulates and potential eye irritation.

Quality Assurance

Our quality control process focuses on the precise balance of the esterification degree and the neutralization of the carboxyl groups. Every batch of Propylene Glycol Alginate is tested via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify the ester content and Rotational Viscometry to ensure rheological performance. This ensures that the PGA provides consistent emulsification and stabilization results in high-speed industrial mixing processes.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Propylene Glycol Alginate CAS 9005-37-2?

A: Propylene Glycol Alginate, commonly abbreviated as PGA and listed as E405, is the propylene glycol ester of alginic acid. It is supplied as a white to light-yellow powder and is used as an acid-tolerant thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations.
Q:
Why is PGA preferred over sodium alginate in acidic beverages?

A: Sodium alginate tends to gel or precipitate below about pH 4, while PGA remains functional in low-pH systems such as fruit drinks, yogurt beverages, and beer. This acid stability allows PGA to suspend pulp, stabilize emulsions, and improve beer foam without reacting prematurely.
Q:
How should formulators choose the viscosity and use level of Propylene Glycol Alginate?

A: The typical 1% solution viscosity range is about 20-500 mPa.s, and the normal use level is around 0.2-0.7% by weight depending on the target texture and acid content. Lower-viscosity grades generally suit beverages and high-shear systems, while higher-viscosity grades provide more body in sauces, dressings, and dairy products.
Q:
What are the main applications of Propylene Glycol Alginate E405?

A: In food, PGA is used in acidic beverages, beer foam stabilization, salad dressings, sauces, and frozen dairy. It also acts as a controlled-release binder or film former in pharmaceuticals and as an acid-tolerant stabilizer in creams and lotions.

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