Azodicarbonamide
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Azodicarbonamide | |
|---|---|
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| IUPAC name |
Carbamoyliminourea
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| Other names | Azodicarobxamide Azobisformamide C,C'-azodi(formamide) |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 123-77-3  |
| PubChem | 31269 |
| EC-number | 204-650-8 |
| SMILES |
NC(=O)/N=N/C(N)=O
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C2H4O2N4 |
| Molar mass | 116.0787 g/mol |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| EU classification | Harmful (XN) |
| R-phrases | R42 R44 |
| S-phrases | S22 S24 S37 |
| NFPA 704 |
 1
2
2
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| (what is this?) (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Infobox references | |
Azodicarbonamide, or azobisformamide, is an organic chemical, C2H4O2N4. It is a yellow to orange red, odorless, crystalline powder. It is known as E number E927.
Contents |
[edit] Use as a food additive
It is used in food industry as a food additive, a flour bleaching agent and improving agent. When it reacts with flour, it behaves as a hydrogen acceptor, and is quickly and completely converted to urea, which is stable even during baking. The reaction occurs only during wetting of the dough. In the United States, acceptable doses for flour treatment range between 0-45 ppm.[citation needed]
Use of azodicarbonamide as a food additive is banned in Australia and in Europe. In Singapore, the use of azodicarbonamide can result in up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of $450,000.[citation needed]
[edit] Other uses
The principal use of Azodicarbonamide is in the production of foamed plastics. The thermal decomposition of azodicarbonamide results in the evolution of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia gases which are trapped in the polymer as bubbles to form a foamed article. Common examples of this application are window and door gaskets, padded floor mats, gym/exercise mats, shoe soles etc...
[edit] Safety
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive has identified azodicarbonamide as a respiratory sensitiser (a possible cause of asthma) and determined that products should be labeled with "May cause sensitisation by inhalation."[1]
Azodicarbonamide may cause an allergic reaction in those sensitive to other azo compounds (such as food dyes). The consumption of azodicarbonamide may also heighten an allergic reaction to other ingredients in a food.
Subway Restaurants use Azodicarbonamide in their breads[2], as does Dunkin Donuts [1]. It should be noted that during the bread baking process azodicarbonamide is completely decomposed into gasses (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and ammonia) and therefore is never eaten.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Substances causing/worsening asthma, UK Occupational Health and Safety
- ^ http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/menunutrition/nutrition/frmusingredients.aspx
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