Phosphoric acid 85%

Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) naturally occurs as a white solid or a colorless, viscous (thick) liquid and is derived from phosphate rock.  The percentage – in this case, 85% - is determined by how much of this thick liquid or solid is added to one liter of water; hence “phosphoric acid 85%” signifies a mixture of 15% water and 85% phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid 85% has a wide range of uses for the chemical industry, including

food additives

• phosphoric acid is the only acid used in colas since its “bite” is complementary to the cola flavor

• phosphoric acid is added to jams and jellies to enhance preservative properties and jelly clarity

• the weakly acidic salt of phosphoric acid (NaH2PO) is combined with sodium bicarbonate to create baking soda

metal cleaning and rust removal

chemical industries

• catalyzes the “setting” of resins

dental practice

• removes plaque, and

orthodontic applications

• cleans teeth and abrades tooth surfaces before dental appliances are inserted.

Because phosphoric acid 85% has a pH below 7, it carries acidic characteristics, such as corrosive behaviors and/or bitter taste.  Examples of the corrosive behaviors include metal and dental cleaning, while the bitter taste is most obviously noted in cola beverages.  Knowing these properties, how is phosphoric acid able to pull off the added responsibility of improving the shelf life of jelly? Along with its catalytic properties, which would cause corrosion or cleansing properties, phosphoric acid is also dehydrating – it causes water to leave a system.  Since water contributes to shortened shelf life when it lurks within a product, adding phosphoric acid elongates the storage time of many foods.  Realizing this property, along with the fact that phosphoric acid 85% is a stable chemical that does not react violently; it is obvious why phosphoric acid is widely utilized in such a vast array of applications.

As a leading chemical supply company in Orlando, Bell Chem offers fast delivery of hundreds of chemical products including sodium glucoheptonate. With several seaports located within a few short hours, our Florida chemical supply company is positioned as the “go to” supplier on a national and international level. To learn more about our products, call Bell Chem today at 407-339-2355.

What You Didn’t Know About Guar Gum

Guar gum, an off-white powder also known as guaran, is made from ground guar beans, which are de-husked, milled and screened. Guar beans are grown throughout India and Australia, as well as the United States, Pakistan, China and Africa. However, India is the main producer of guar beans, producing over a million tonnes each year and accounting for over 3/4 of the production worldwide. Guar gum has many industrial and food applications, as the largest market for this chemical product is the food industry. Some of the most popular food applications include:

• In canned soup, guar gum is used as a thickener/stabilizer.

• In sauces, salad dressings, ketchups, relishes and other condiments, guar gum enhances the appearance and stability.

• For dairy products like milk, liquid cheese and yogurt, guar gum acts as a food thickener. For food products such as ice creams and sherbets, guar gum helps maintain a uniform texture throughout by preventing ice crystals from forming.

• In baked goods, guar gum improves texture, as well as shelf life. It also increases dough yield.

Some of the most popular industrial applications include:

• In the textile industry, guar gum is used for sizing, finishing and printing.

• In the explosives industry, guar gum is used as a waterproofing agent.

• In the pharmaceutical industry, guar gum is used as a binder and disintegrator in tablets.

• In medical institutions, guar gum is used to thicken liquids and foods for patients with dysphagia. It is also known to treat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and diabetes, as well as reduce cholesterol.

At our Orlando chemical supply company, guar gum is just one of the many nutritional chemical products we offer. We also stock many hard to find tech-grade chemicals, USP ingredients and custom compounds. Call us at 407-339-BELL (2355) for a full list of our chemical products.

Malic Acid and Its Many Uses

Malic acid, an organic compound made by all living organisms as part of the citric acid cycle, is crystalline in structure, water soluble, and colorless. Malic acid was first isolated from apple juice in 1785 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Swedish chemist. This chemical gets its name from this event, as the Latin word for apple is malum. Malic acid plays an important role in giving foods, specifically fruits, their pleasant sour taste. Malic acid is commonly used as a food additive in foods like potato chips and candy. Instead of using citric acid to create the sour taste, candies that require a more intense sour flavor use malic acid. Salt and vinegar flavored chips use malic acid to produce that appealing tart taste.

One of the major health benefits that malic acid offers the human body is that it boosts your metabolism and the ability for your body to produce energy. Without sufficient levels of malic acid in your body, you would age quicker because your body loses its ability to produce energy efficiently. This chemical also helps muscle soreness and prevents muscle fatigue. For this reason, malic acid is used to treat the intense muscle pain caused by fibromyalgia.

In addition, malic acid is found in many hygiene and skin care products. In mouthwash, this chemical aids in dental hygiene by acting as an oral antiseptic and encouraging saliva production. When applied to skin, malic acid tightens pores, reduces wrinkles, and evens tone.

As a leading chemical supply company in Orlando, Bell Chem offers fast delivery of hundreds of chemical products including many food and reagent-grade products like malic acid. With an abundance of world-class seaports within just a few short hours, our Orlando chemical supply company is positioned as the “go to” supplier on a national, as well as international level. Give us a call today at 407-339-BELL (2355) to place an order!

10 Myths About Caffeine

Caffeine is naturally found in the seeds, fruits, and leaves of many plants. In fact, it is commonly collected and extracted from the seed of the "coffee plant" and the leaves of the "tea bush." These plants use caffeine as a natural pesticide to protect against insects, who like to feed on them. The effect caffeine has on humans is quite different. Instead, caffeine acts as a stimulant drug for the central nervous system, providing alertness and energy to those who consume it. Therefore, it is often found in coffee, tea, soda products, and energy drinks.

There are many rumors, beliefs, and myths about what caffeine can and can't do. Here are ten myths about caffeine that we either busted or confirmed:

1. Caffeine causes heart disease – False Although caffeine will stimulate your heart, it will not cause heart disease. However, if you already suffer from over stimulation, it will worsen the symptoms.

2. Caffeine helps you exercise – True Not only can caffeine provide short bursts of energy, the effects of this chemical can enhance endurance and last for a considerable length of time.

3. Caffeine gets rid of the effects of alcohol – False Despite the common belief, drinking coffee will not eliminate the effects of alcohol.

4. Caffeine will cure a migraine – False Caffeine will relieve a migraine, but it will not cure all the symptoms. If you are taking other headache medications, caffeine will help your body absorb the medication more quickly and bring faster relief.

5. Caffeine will dehydrate you – False Caffeine will not dehydrate you. In fact, if you drink a caffeinated beverage like coffee, it counts toward your hydration for the day, just like water.

6. Caffeine will help with exercise recovery – True People who consume caffeine between sessions of physical activity have more strength than those who do not. Caffeine may also improve exercise recovery by helping to reduce muscle pain and soreness after work outs, training, or any other physical activity.

7. Caffeine can help you lose weight – False Although caffeine can speed up your metabolism, it does not have long-term effects leading to weight loss.

8. Caffeine will cause insomnia – False Because the human body can absorb caffeine so quickly, it also eliminates it quickly. Due to this short life span, having caffeine earlier in the day will not cause insomnia. However, if you decide to have caffeine later in the day, it may interfere with sleep (leave roughly six hours free of caffeine before sleep).

9. Caffeine is harmful for women trying to conceive – False There have been many studies conducted that have not shown any links between consuming low amounts of caffeine and harmful effects that prevent women from getting pregnant. It is suggested however, that when trying to conceive, you should regulate the amount of caffeine you do consume.

10. There are no health benefits to Caffeine – FALSE There are many benefits to consuming caffeine from the obvious signs of alertness, energy, concentration, sociability, and clear-headiness to an improved immune system (anti-inflammatory effects) and helping to lessen allergic reactions by reducing the concentration of histamines.

At our Orlando chemical supply company, caffeine is just one of the many chemical products we offer. In addition to nutritional chemical products, we stock many hard to find tech-grade chemicals and custom compounds. Our chemicals are used in a wide range of applications such as health and nutrition, personal rare care materials, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and industrial applications. Call us at 407-339-BELL (2355) for a full list of our chemical products.

Everyday Uses of Sodium Chloride (Salt)

What occurs in nature as a mineral, is produced from brine, can be mined, used as a flavoring for food, and can also be found in great abundance in sea water? The answer is sodium chloride, or more commonly referred to as salt. Salt is much more than just a flavoring for your food. Did you know that salt reduced human dependence on the seasonal availability of food (because of its ability to preserve) and allowed humans to travel over long distances? It allowed for the migration and survival of civilization. In fact, sodium chloride serves as one of the most important substances used by the human race. Throughout history, salt was used for trading purposes and often resulted in national economies and wars. Although times have changed, the world still consumes and uses quite a bit of sodium chloride each year. The world's annual consumption of salt exceeds 150 million tons!

So, what is everyone using sodium chloride for? What are some of its everyday uses?

Sodium Chloride for the Human Body:

• Minor Sore Throat - Have a sore throat? Relieve it by mixing a small amount of salt in some warm water and gargle. It is still recommended by doctors today.

• Tired Aching Feet - Soak your feet in some warm salt water and it will ease the soreness and ache in your muscles. Epsom salt will work as well.

• Sprains, Strains and Bee Stings- Warmly dampen a towel, sprinkle some sodium chloride on it, fold it and then place it on the affected area. Even if it's only temporary, it will bring some relief.

• Poison Ivy - Although a salt bath won't cure poison ivy, it will sooth the irritation.

Everyday Household Uses for Sodium Chloride:

• Cleaning Vegetables - Cleaning your vegetables in salt water can remove any dirt or grit that may be trapped on and in between them.

• Remove Coffee and Tea Stains from Cups - You can remove any coffee or tea stains by rubbing the stained area with a damp sponge or cloth dipped in salt. You can even clean your coffee maker for that next fresh cup of coffee! Fill it with water, salt and boil.

• Grease Fire - Never, and I mean never, pour water on a grease fire. Use salt instead.

• Reduce Grease Build Up - Pouring some warm salt water down the drain can help reduce grease build up.

• Kills Weeds - Sprinkling salt on unwanted plants will kill them.

• Kills Fleas and Deters Ants - If you are having a flea problem, or an ant problem, sprinkle some salt around your home and lightly on your carpet.

As a top chemical supplier in Orlando, Bell Chem offers fast delivery of any of our hundreds of chemical products including sodium chloride. Our Florida chemical supply company is positioned as the “go to” supplier on a national, as well as international level. Give us a call today at 407-339-BELL (2355) to place an order for chemical products!

Potassium Citrate – Its Medical & Industrial Uses

Potassium is a mineral found in many foods that helps regulate various functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart. Potassium citrate, a potassium salt of citric acid, has a number of medical and industrial uses. This chemical exists as a white, powdery, odorless substance with a slightly salty taste. Medically, potassium citrate can be used to cure kidney stones because it helps to break up the stones into small enough pieces to be able to pass safely through the urine. For cats and dogs with highly acidic urine, potassium citrate can be administered through the mouth to relieve the discomfort and infection that accompanies this condition. Usually, the potassium citrate is diluted in water and then administered orally.

In foods and beverages, potassium citrate is used as a buffering agent. This chemical can help adjust the pH levels in items like soft drinks, so that they have the correct pH level. In addition, potassium citrate is commonly used as a flavor enhancer, particularly for processed foods and commercially available citrus beverages.

Potassium citrate also helps with muscle contractions, such as cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles. It is believed to maintain healthy cells and normal blood pressure, as well as produce energy.

At our Orlando chemical supply company, potassium citrate is just one of the many chemical products we offer. In addition to nutritional chemical products and USP ingredients, we stock many hard to find tech-grade chemicals and custom compounds. Call us at 407-339-BELL (2355) for a full list of our chemical products.

Ascorbic Acid USP: A Widely-Used USP Ingredient

Ascorbic Acid USP, also known as Vitamin C, is a white or pale yellow crystalline powder used prominently in the food and beverage industry. In food, beverages, and dietary supplements, ascorbic acid USP is used as a source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. This chemical occurs naturally in some foods and is added to others. For example, ascorbic acid USP is included in nutrient/vitamin-enhanced drinks and powder vitamin supplements. Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant that proves essential to skin health because it helps prevent dry skin, wrinkles, and sun damage. Ascorbate is found in all layers of skin, but is more concentrated in the epidermis than the dermis. When exposed to UV light, ascorbate in the skin is reduced significantly. For this reason, the cosmetic industry utilizes the topical application of vitamin C to improve the overall appearance of skin.

A few additional uses for ascorbic acid USP include:

• Used to slow the browning in processed fruits and vegetables.

• Used as an immune booster.

• Used to increase the clarity of wine and beer.

• Used to improve the quality of wheat-flour and dough when baking bread.

• Used as a curing agent in meat processing to inhibit nitrosamine formation.

As a top chemical supply company in Orlando, Bell Chem offers fast delivery of any of our hundreds of chemical products including ascorbic acid USP. With an abundance of world-class seaports within a few short hours, our Florida chemical supply company is positioned as the “go to” supplier on a national, as well as international level. Give us a call today at 407-339-BELL (2355) to place an order!

What You Don’t Know about Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is a colorless chemical compound with a strong musty odor. This chemical compound is usually produced by combining water and propylene in a hydration reaction, but it also can be synthesized from acetone. Much of the isopropyl alcohol produced is used in the manufacture of acetone. However, it is also used as a solvent for oils, perfumes, synthetic resins, and gums. Isopropyl alcohol is used to dissolve other substances in the cosmetics and personal care products industries. It is also used to decrease the thickness of liquids and to reduce the tendency of finished products to generate foam when shaken. In addition, the FDA has determined that isopropyl alcohol can be used safely and effectively as an antiseptic Over-The-Counter drug ingredient.

The more common name of isopropyl alcohol is rubbing alcohol, which many are familiar with because it is commonly found in first aid kits and bathroom cabinets. Rubbing alcohol is used primarily for medical and cosmetic purposes such as sterilizing medical devices and cleaning wounds. It is also found in many topical skin care products like facial cleansers and astringents, nail polish remover, and lotions. Where did the term “rubbing” alcohol come from? The chemical is used by massage therapists and athletic trainers to treat skin and muscle groups by rubbing it directly on the skin.

As a top-of-the-line chemical supply company in Orlando, Bell Chem offers fast delivery of any of our hundreds of chemical products. With an abundance of world-class seaports within a few short hours, our Florida chemical supply company is positioned as the “go to” supplier on a national, as well as international level. Isopropyl alcohol is just one of the many chemical compounds we offer. Give us a call today at 407-339-BELL (2355) to place an order!

The Advantages and Uses of Citric Acid

Citric acid is a natural component that can be found in the human body, as well as in many fruits and vegetables. When present in the body, this chemical goes through the process of being metabolized, degraded, and eliminated. Although it is an acid, it also works as an acidity regulator, and has the ability to actually decrease the level of acidity in body fluids. Additionally, citric acid is one of the main ingredients found in the food and beverage industry because it is healthy, cheap, adds flavor, and can easily be obtained in large quantities. What Citric Acid is Used For:

Preservative: It has been used most frequently, and for hundreds of years, as a preservative for meat. It increases the acidity of the bacterial environment that may develop, making it difficult for the bacteria to survive. Marination: Citric acid breaks down proteins found in meats and makes meat tender and soft. Health: It's good for skin care, skin color, mineral absorption, throat infections, and kidneys. Insecticides: Because citric acid destroys bacteria, fungus, mold, and viruses, it is used in insecticides, fungicides, and disinfectants. Flavoring: Citric acid adds flavor to many foods, drinks and medicines. Alcohol: When citric acid is used in wines, it eliminates low acidity and improves taste. When used in beers, it reduces sugar loss and helps the process of turning sugar into beer.

What Citric Acid Prevents:

Kidney Stones: It prevents the formation of kidney stones and allows the kidneys to function properly. Anti-oxidant: It neutralizes the negative effects of unstable compounds that can build up in the body and lead to cancerous cells. Skin Care: Citric acid helps the regeneration of skin tissue, helps the skin appear more youthful, and keeps skin clear of breakouts. Skin Color: Citric acid prevents the discoloration of skin. Sore Throat: Gargling a combination of citric acid and water will clear infections from the throat and kill bacteria.

At Bell Chem, we serve a wide range of industries by providing them with key ingredients and chemicals essential to their business. Some of the industries we serve include: food and beverage, nutritional, pharmaceutical, water treatments, citrus, and more. Bell Chem and our business partner, Safe Chem, Inc., offers a full line of C-san Sanitation products to the Citrus Processing Industries. Give us a call at 407-339-BELL (2355) to learn more about our chemical products including citric acid.

Sugar (Extra Fine Food Grade)

There are many different types of sugar, with each crystal size and processing manner providing unique functional characteristics that make the sugar appropriate for specific needs. According to the Sugar Association, the food industry defines "regular" sugar as "extra fine" or "fine" because small crystals are ideal for bulk handling and not susceptible to caking. This type of sugar is the most commonly used sugar for these reasons. Extra fine granulated sugar, a food grade product, is made by crystallizing purified and filtered juice syrup that has been removed from sugar beets or sugar cane. This thick syrup is then dried to produce the most popular sugar grades. Extra fine granulated sugar is white in color and has at least 99.85% sucrose content.

Because of the valuable qualities inherent in extra fine food grade sugar, this product has applications in a wide variety of industries. It is used in pharmaceuticals, jams/jellies, meats, chewing gum, candies, dairy products, bakery products, cereals, condiments, pickles, powdered drink mixes, liquid sugar, powdered sugar, table top sugar, and much more.

From our headquarters in Longwood, Florida, Bell Chem offers prompt delivery of hundreds of stock chemical products on our own fleet of trucks. Our Florida chemical supply company offers food/reagent grade chemicals, USP ingredients, sanitation products, custom compounds, and even hard to find botanical ingredients. Our vision is to offer high-quality chemical products with a “just-in-time” inventory approach to provide customers with the very best service in the industry. Give us a call at 407-339-2355 today to order chemical products today!