Chitin
Agent Name
Chitin
CAS Number
1398-61-4
Major Category
Biological Agents
Synonyms
Chitin unspecified; Chitin Tc-L; Chitina [Italian]; Clandosan; Kimitsu Chitin; Regitex FA; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Polysaccharides
Description
Amorphous solid; [Merck Index] White semitransparent solid; [HSDB]
Sources/Uses
Occurs naturally in fungi, yeasts, marine invertebrates, and exoskeletons of arthropods; [Merck Index] The second most abundant biopolymer on earth; [ChemIDplus] Used to make chitosan; [HSDB] Used to control nematodes in various field crops, ornamentals, turf grown in fields, home gardens, and nurseries; [Reference #1]
Comments
Chitosan demonstrates no mammalian toxicity and is registered with the FDA as a food additive; [Reference #1] May cause irritation; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS] See "Chitosan." See "Cellulose."
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: