Intermediate amide pectins
AssigneeSunkist Growers, Inc.
InventorDenny B. Nelson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Novel pectin derivatives having important and useful gel properties are made by direct amidation with high levels of ammonia at low temperatures. The desirable pectin derivatives have not more than 39% carboxyl groups and at least 27% amide groups. The most desirable pectin derivatives have from 56 to 70% acid plus amide groups, based on the total level of anhydrogalacturonic acid units as 100%, and the preferred amide level is between 30 and 35%. The pectins form 20 to 40% soluble solids gels that are improved in texture and less prone to syneresis over the gel pH range 3 to 4 with a wide range of added calcium ion when compared to gels made with currently known pectins.
Claims21
A pectin derivative having not more than 39% carboxyl groups, and at least 27% amide groups, with the total of said carboxyl and said amide percentages within the range from 56 to 70%;
- the balance being methyl ester groups and having an apparent molecular weight in excess of 110,000.
A process of forming an amide derivative of pectin which comprises the steps of immersing pectin in a solution of liquid ammonia and a solvent at a temperature within the range -15.degree. C to +15.degree. C for a time sufficient for said pectin to achieve an amidification of at least 27% with not more than 39% carboxyl groups and a total of acid plus amide groups of from 56 to 70% with the balance having methyl ester groups, said solvent comprises an oxygenated organic solvent having a dielectric constant at 15.degree. C of at least 5;
- and thereafter removing said amide derivative from said solution.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.