Synthesis and Physicochemical Study of Xanthan Butyl Ether

Xanthan is an important polysaccharide widely used in many industrial fields. It is produced by the bacteria Xanthomonascampestris. Chemical modification of xanthan can open up new horizons for its use. In this work, xanthan butyl ester was obtained for the first time by the interaction of xanthan and bromobutane using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. The composition and structure of the obtained new xanthan derivative was studied by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis. The introduction of a butyl group into the xanthan molecule was proved by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy by the appearance of corresponding bands. It was shown by X-ray phase analysis that xanthan butyl ether has a more X-ray amorphous structure in comparison with the original xanthan. It was shown by scanning electron microscopy that xanthan butyl ether powder consists of particles of a larger size and a layered structure in comparison with the original xanthan. It has been shown by thermal analysis that xanthan butyl ether is less thermostable than the starting xanthan