Facts about Powdered Alcohol and Cyclodextrins

Powdered alcohol or Palcohol, is a dried form of alcohol which can be mixed with water to create liquid form of alcohol. Chemically, it is said to be 5 X stronger than the liquid version and hence has raised concerns in many parts of society. It is based on compounds called cyclodextrins. These are ring-like structures which are synthetic carbohydrate derivatives. They can absorb upto 60% of their own weight in water.  The product which has been approved by U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau but many voices is being raised against its potential misuse. The portability factor has been endorsed as the USP, can actually turn against it as it can be easily sneaked into places where alcohol is not permitted.

Palcohol is made in two formulations-

• Beverage formulation: It is made for customers of legal age who will indulge in responsible enjoyment. The people can carry it while travelling, outdoor activities like hiking, camping etc.
• Industrial formulation: This is non-ingestible form of alcohol and can be used for many purposes in industries. These involve use in medical or pharmaceutical industries, various manufacturing units, or as a fuel source etc. is also being considered.

Cyclodextrins

They are a family of ring-like compounds formed of sugar molecules. Typical cyclodextrins have a ring of 6-8 glucose monomers They are produced from starch by an enzymatic conversion and are used in food, pharmaceutical, chemical industries, agriculture engineering etc. they easily form complexes with hydrophobic compounds as they are hydrophilic outside. They are in high demand in pharmaceutical and food industry. In pharmaceutical applications they aid to solubilise hydrophobic drugs and crosslink to form polymers for drug delivery. They also have widespread environmental applications as they can immobilize various heavy metals which degrade the environment; helpful in treatment of sewage sludge etc.