Category: Industrial chemistry

Adipose tissue, or body fat, is recognized as a vital interactive organ within the endocrine system that regulates metabolism and provides energy. However, the applications of fat extend far beyond biological functions, playing a crucial, multifunctional role across various industrial sectors, including food production, cosmetics, and energy.

Did you know that the conversion of glucose to fructose is a crucial step in producing high-fructose corn syrup, a widely used sweetener? The intricate mechanism of isomerization of glucose to fructose, a simple rearrangement of atoms, is driven by either specialized enzymes in biological systems or chemical catalysts in industrial settings.

The industrial use of hydrogenation dates back to the late 19th century, a process that has become a cornerstone of modern industrial chemistry. From food processing to refining fuels, understanding the importance of hydrogenation in industry is crucial for appreciating its impact across multiple sectors.

Dextrins are a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by heating or enzymatically treating starch, a process known as dextrinization. So, what do dextrins do? These versatile compounds serve a multitude of roles across the food and industrial sectors.

Over 260 million tonnes of sulfuric acid are produced globally each year, making it one of the world's most important industrial chemicals. While colloquially and incorrectly known as "sulfur acid," this corrosive mineral acid is a foundational component for countless industrial processes that benefit modern society.

First discovered in 1811 by the heating of starch with acid, the production of dextrin paved the way for a wide range of applications. But what is the purpose of dextrin, and how does this modified carbohydrate contribute to so many different products across various industries?