Galactan gum

Description

A carbohydrate exudate obtained from the wood chips of the western larch tree, Larix occidentalis. Galactan gum is high in Arabinose and Galactose. It is soluble in water producing an amber color solution of pH 4-5. Galactan gum forms solutions of lower viscosity than most other gums and is often used as an Emulsifier in water/oil mixtures. A primary use for galactan gum is as a Gum arabic substitute in lithography.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Larix occidentalis; goma de alerce (Esp.); gomma di larice (It); larch gum; Stractan

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Soluble in water.
• CAS = 37320-79-9

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 381

• I.W. Cottrell, J.K. Baird, gums chapter