DEXTRIN

                                                DEXTRIN

Synonyms :

Starch gum and British gum are synonyms for Dextrin.

Biological Source

Dextrin is produced by incomplete hydrolysis of starch with dilute acids or by heating dry

starch.

Preparation of Dextrin

There are two types of Dextrin available commercially. All types of starches are used for

preparation.

(a) White Dextrin: In this type large amount of acid is reacted with starch at low temperature

and for a very short period of time. It is white in Colour and gives bluish

colour with iodine.

(b) Yellow Dextrin: It is produced by heating starch at high temperature for longer period of

time in presence of small amount of acid; the product is yellowish in

Colour.

Description

 White or pale yellow coloured powder, with slight characteristic odour. It is tasteless, light, free flowing and produces Colloidal solution with water.

Solubility

Dextrin is very soluble in boiling water, slowly soluble in Cold water, and insoluble in alcohol and ether. It is dextrorotatory and reduces Fehling's solution.

Uses

Dextrin is a pharmaceutical necessity and mainly used as tablet excipients, in preparation as mucilage and in match sticks and explosives.