Calcium lignosulfonate (40-65) is an amorphous light-yellow-brown powder obtained from the sulfite pulping of softwood. The organic framework of the additive is a sulfonated random polymer of three aromatic alcohols: coniferyl alcohol, p-coumaryl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol, of which coniferyl alcohol is the principle unit.
The commercial product has a weight-average molecular weight range of 40,000 to 65,000 and the name of the additive is intended to reflect this range and to distinguish it from other calcium lignosulfonates in the market place. The intended use of calcium lignosulfonate (40-65) is as a carrier (encapsulating agent) for fat-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, and other functional ingredients in, e.g., fruitbased beverages,vitamin drinks, dairy products, and hard candies.