Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

Chitin

CAS 1398-61-4

An abundant natural aminopolysaccharide and the parent biopolymer of chitosan. It is used primarily as the feedstock for chitosan production and finds direct application in agriculture, water treatment, food-packaging films, cosmetics, and textiles.

Request SDS
HS Code
3913.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
UVCB
Primary Role
Thickening / Rheology · Film Formation
Solubility
Insoluble in water, dilute acids/alkalis, and common organic solvents; soluble in specialty systems such as LiCl/dimethylacetamide (typical)
Functional Roles
CHITIN
ABRASIVEBULKING
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Chitosan production: Precursor for chitosan manufacture
  • Agriculture: Biopolymer input for crop and soil applications
  • Water treatment: Coagulant/flocculant biopolymer
  • Packaging: Biodegradable film and packaging material
  • Cosmetics & textiles: Functional biopolymer ingredient
Physical Properties
appearance
White to cream powder, flakes, or fibers (typical)
odor
Odorless to faint (typical)
water_solubility
Insoluble (typical)
solubility
Insoluble in water, dilute acids/alkalis, and common organic solvents; soluble in specialty systems such as LiCl/dimethylacetamide (typical)
melting_point
Decomposes near 300 C without melting (typical)
degree_of_acetylation
>90% (typical)
repeat_unit
(C8H13NO5)n, beta-(1->4)-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (typical)
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

Request SDS →
HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3913 . 90
Chapter 39
Plastics and articles thereof
Heading 39.13
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3913.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
1398-61-4
INCI Name
CHITIN
Synonyms & Trade Names
Poly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) Poly-beta-(1->4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine Polyacetylglucosamine alpha-Chitin beta-Chitin Chitan
Full Description

Chitin (CAS 1398-61-4) is a naturally occurring linear polysaccharide of N-acetylglucosamine and one of the most abundant biopolymers. It is used primarily as the feedstock for chitosan production and finds direct application in agriculture, water treatment, food-packaging films, cosmetics, and textiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vitapure Feeling (chitin) used for?

This product is chitin (CAS 1398-61-4), a naturally occurring linear polysaccharide of N-acetylglucosamine and one of the most abundant biopolymers. It is used chiefly as the feedstock for chitosan production and finds direct application in agriculture, water treatment, biodegradable food-packaging films, cosmetics, and textiles.

What is chitin made from?

Chitin is a natural biopolymer of N-acetylglucosamine units, sourced from crustacean shells and other natural materials. It is the structural polysaccharide that serves as the raw material for chitosan manufacture.

What is the difference between chitin and chitosan?

Chitin is the native N-acetylglucosamine polysaccharide; chitosan is produced from chitin by deacetylation, which removes acetyl groups and increases solubility and reactivity. Chitin here is supplied primarily as the precursor for chitosan production.

Is chitin biodegradable, and how is it classified for import?

Chitin is a biodegradable natural polymer, used in compostable packaging films among other applications. It is classified under HS 3913.90 (natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms); identity is confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis.

How is bulk chitin packaged and priced?

Chitin ships in bulk powder/granular packaging such as bags and supersacks for chitosan producers and formulators. Packaging, MOQ, and pricing depend on grade and volume; submit a bulk RFQ and request the CoA and SDS.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.