Showing posts with label sweeteners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sweeteners. Show all posts

Monday, May 7, 2012

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds form the basis of many products that we use today.let’s to learn more about organic compounds. Any chemical compound that contains carbon molecules in its composition is an organic compound. There is even a special branch of chemistry (known as organic chemistry) that is solely dedicated to the study of various organic compounds examples. The distinction between organic compounds and inorganic compounds is one that is shrouded in a bit of confusion, as there are some carbonates, allotropes of carbon, and some cyanides that cannot be called organic compounds even though they contain carbon molecules.
Now, an official definition of organic compounds does not exist, and this makes the distinction process even harder. Different scientific books often give differing definitions of organic compounds. Some books state that organic compounds contain C-H bonds, others state that they contain C-C bonds, and most books say that the simple presence of carbon makes a compound organic in nature.
Despite these differences, the examples of organic compounds remain the same in all these books. Once a compound has become known as an organic compound, this cannot be altered just like that.
What Are Organic Compounds Made Of
The modern definition and classification of organic compounds examples are very different from earlier studies. Today’s fairly broad definition that any compound containing carbon qualifies as organic compounds examples is not completely accurate, as there are several carbon containing alloys that do not figure in this list.
Apart from these alloys (like steel), there are other metal carbonates sweeteners and carbonyls, simple carbon halides and sulfides and simple oxides of carbon and cyanides as well, that are known as inorganic compounds, even though carbon is a part of their composition. The older definitions of organic compounds (known as ‘vitalism’) were considered by scientists to originate from living processes, and this led to the name organic compounds. The primary reason for so much ambiguity is that carbon easily combines with many compounds to form molecular chains and rings, and as such there are millions of compounds that contain carbon in them.
Examples of Organic Compounds
To list out all the organic compounds known to man is a very difficult task, so here you will find the most commonly known and seen organic compounds examples.
Acyl halides, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Alkenes, Amides, Amines, Aromatics, Azo compounds, Alkanes, Cycloalkanes, Cyclopropane, Cyclobutane, Cyclopentane, Cyclohexane, Cycloheptane, Acid anhydrides, Carboxylic acids, Decane, Esters, Ethers, Ethane, Haloalkanes, Imines, Ketones, Methane, Propane, Butane, Pentane, Hexane, Heptane, Octane, Nonane, Nitriles, Nitro compounds, Organometallic compounds, Phenols, Polymers, Thiols, Urea, Valium, Vitamins, Warfarin, Xylene, Xylose, Dextrose Anhydrous, Zingiberene.
The wide use and application of organic compounds has made them very useful for the progress and development of mankind. These organic compounds examples have a variety of applications in our everyday lives, and it would be impossible to imagine life without them. Apart from forming the basis for many applications and products that we use, organic compounds are also the main constituent of all forms of life.
Organic compounds examples can be classified as natural and synthetic organic food additives compounds, and also on the basis of the many bonds that they are made up of. The study of organic chemistry is very vast and complicated, but ultimately very useful.

Friday, May 4, 2012

What’s Acesulfame-K


Artificial sweeteners have gained a lot of popularity in recent times. They are called fat free sweeteners because they do not have calorific content and are just used to make the edibles sweet. Acesulfame potassium also comes under this category.
What is Acesulfame Potassium Made From
Acesulfame potassium is a chemical compound which is not metabolized by the body and is excreted as it is hence it can be called a calorie free or fat free sweetener. It is made up of acetoacetic acid and potassium which forms a highly stable and crystalline compound and is used as a sweetener. It can also be called a potassium salt of 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one,2,2-dioxide and its molecular formula is C4H4KNO4S. This compound is as sweet as aspartame which is also an artificial sweetener. There is one difference which makes acesulfame more appropriate than aspartame and that is the stability of Ace K. In baked items, aspartame cannot be used as it may break down at a particular temperature but Ace K, because of its high stability is very useful in making the baked items sweet. Ace K is also very helpful in masking the bitter taste of some of the sweeteners like sodium ferulate.
Acesulfame-K Benefits and Uses
Ace K is a very good and strong sweetener. Its taste is so intense that even a small amount of this compound can bring the desired sweetness in the product. This in turn benefits the industries making products which are fat free and sugar free. Following are some other benefits of this compound.
This sugar substitute is calorie free because it is not metabolized and absorbed by the human body. Hence it is excreted by the body and just helps in enhancing the taste of the product.
Unlike other sugar compounds, Ace K does not undergo fermentation as it is not attacked by the microbes like bacteria. This gives the compound a longer shelf life.
Due to the highly stable nature of Ace K, it can be very useful in the products which are prepared in a high temperature like baked items. This property also makes them suitable for the preservation of products at higher temperatures.
As it is an artificial sweetener it is very good for the people who are suffering from diabetes and other diseases which are related to higher sugar levels. There have been many researches on this compound and it has been observed that Acesulfame-K has no effect on cholesterol, glucose or triglycerides levels. Consumption of acesulfame potassium in pregnancy is also considered safe by the FDA. But it should not be used in every meal.
Ace K has intense sweetness, hence a small amount is enough for getting the desired taste. It is also used to mask the bitterness of some of the sweeteners.
With Ace K you will not have the danger of tooth decay as it is not consumed by the bacteria which cause tooth problems. Hence the people with tooth problems or those worried about getting tooth decay can have the products made from this compound.
Acesulfame Potassium Side Effects
There are many queries and doubts related to acesulfame potassium dangers among the people. There have been many researches conducted to monitor the effects of acesulfame potassium on animals. These researches show that there are many dangerous Acesulfame-K side effects, but as they have not been conducted or tested on human beings they are still under controversy. Well, let’s find out some of the common side effects and danger of this compound.
Mental confusion, liver and kidney problems, headaches, depression, nausea, dizziness, visual disturbances, etc. are some of its other side effects.
The compound is not metabolized by the body but it also hampers the ability of the body to metabolize other food products.
People suffering from diabetes might think this compound is best for their taste buds but excess usage of this compound may stimulate the release of insulin and result in hypoglycemia.
In the production of ace K, methylene chloride – a carcinogenic compound, is used. This may result in the development of cancerous cells. Research on rats has revealed that it may result in lung and breast cancer.
So, we can say that acesulfame potassium is one of the best artificial food additives sweeteners and can be consumed. You just need to limit the consumption as you know about the side effects of this compound. Just take care of the amount consumed and give your taste buds a sweet treat.