What is the Difference Between CMC and Xanthan Gum

The key difference between CMC and Xanthan gum is that the solutions containing CMC are stable in the pH range of 1-13, whereas solutions containing xanthan gum are stable in the pH range of 4-10.

The term CMC stands for carboxymethyl cellulose, which is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups that are bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers, which make up the cellulose backbone. Xanthan gum is a type of polysaccharide with many industrial uses, including its use as a common food additive.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is CMC 
3. What is Xanthan Gum
4. CMC vs Xanthan Gum in Tabular Form
5. Summary – CMC vs Xanthan Gum 

What is CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose)?

CMC stands for carboxymethyl cellulose and is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups that are bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers, which make up the cellulose backbone.

Often, we use this substance in its sodium salt form. Therefore, it is known as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The brand name of CMC in the market is Tylose.

We can prepare CMC by the alkali-catalyzed reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid. The carboxyl groups of this reaction mixture are polar, and they render the cellulose soluble and are chemically reactive. The initial reaction step gives a mixture of products, including about 60% CMC and about 40% of slats, such as sodium chloride and sodium glycolate. It also gives the CMC that we can use in detergents. Thereafter, an additional purification step is required to get pure CMC from this mixture.

CMC is useful in the food industry under the E number E466 (sometimes it is E469). In the food industry, it is also used as a modifier for viscosity or as a thickener. Food manufacturers also use it to stabilize emulsions in food items such as ice cream. Moreover, CMC is an ingredient in different consumer items such as toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints, detergents, textile sizing, etc.

What is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan gum is a type of polysaccharide with many industrial uses, including its use as a common food additive. This substance is important as an effective thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer. Therefore, it is important to prevent the separation of ingredients in the food. In other words, it acts as a glue to keep ingredients together.

We can produce xanthan gum from simple sugars like glucose and sucrose in the fermentation process. The name of this compound originates from its preparation method, where we use a species of bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. Polysaccharide medium for the bacterial species used in this fermentation is a combination of a sterile aqueous solution of carbohydrates and a source of nitrogen along with dipotassium phosphate and some other trace elements.

When considering the uses of xanthan gum, 1% gum can produce a significantly increased viscosity in the liquid. In food, this compound is commonly used in salad dressings and sauces where it helps to prevent oil separation by stabilization of the emulsion, but it is not considered an emulsifier. Further, xanthan gum can help suspend solid particles, including spices. Besides, xanthan gum helps in the creation of the desired texture in many ice creams as well. More often, toothpaste contains xanthan gum as a binder to keep the product uniform.

What is the Difference Between CMC and Xanthan Gum?

CMC and xanthan gum are important polysaccharides. The key difference between CMC and Xanthan gum is that solutions containing CMC are stable in the pH range of 1-13 whereas solutions containing xanthan gum are stable in the pH range of 4-10.

The below infographic presents the differences between CMC and Xanthan gum in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – CMC vs Xanthan Gum

CMC or carboxymethyl cellulose is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups that are bound to some of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers. Xanthan gum, on the other hand, is a type of polysaccharide with many industrial uses. The key difference between CMC and Xanthan gum is that solutions containing CMC are stable in the pH range of 1-13, whereas solutions containing xanthan gum are stable in the pH range of 4-10.

Reference:

1. Hansen, T. “CMC gum.” Digital Fire.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Carboxymethyl cellulose” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Xanthan” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia