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Xylitol

What Is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in fruits and vegetables, with a CAS number of 87-99-0 and a molecular weight of 152.15. It offers the same sweetness as sugar but with fewer calories and a cooler taste.

Uses of Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a refreshing sweetener in pharmaceutical products like tablets, granules, syrups, and intravenous infusions. It plays a role in cavity prevention as it is not decomposed by Streptococcus mutans and doesn’t produce acid, thus preventing tooth decay. Additionally, it binds to calcium and promotes tooth remineralization. Xylitol is also beneficial for diabetics as it is absorbed slowly and doesn’t spike blood glucose levels or require insulin for metabolism.

Principle of Xylitol

Xylitol, classified as a sugar alcohol, has been recognized for its ability to prevent tooth decay by WHO and FAO. It’s widely used in Scandinavian countries for its dental benefits.

Structure of Xylitol

Xylitol, a type of sugar alcohol, is formed by adding hydrogen to the carbonyl group of carbohydrates. Its base sugar is xylose. Sugar alcohols like xylitol are heat-resistant, not easily consumed by microorganisms, and not fattening due to their indigestible nature.

Other Information on Xylitol

1. Manufacturing Methods

Industrial production of xylitol involves hydrogenating xylose from birch or corn stalks at high temperatures and pressures using nickel as a catalyst. Recently, microorganism-based methods have been developed for more efficient production.

2. Effects on the Human Body

As an indigestible carbohydrate, xylitol can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea when consumed in large amounts. This is due to an increase in osmotic pressure in the large intestine when undigested xylitol reaches it.

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Xanthan Gum

What Is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide and a “bio-gum” produced by natural fermentation in starch or sugar solutions. It is a substance soluble in hot and cold water, consisting of repeating units of glucose main chains with side chains consisting of mannose and glucuronic acid.

Xanthan gum is known as one of the easiest thickening agents to handle because it can be used to create various viscosities depending on the amount added.

It is also characterized by its resistance to heat, acid, salt, freezing, and thawing, and its ability to handle a wide range of conditions. However, since it is made from a natural product, its viscosity can vary from lot to lot, which has been cited as a disadvantage.

Uses of Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum are type of thickening agent that may be used for two purposes: simple thickening and gelling. Because it is a substance produced from natural fermentation, it is safer than synthetic substances and is often used in foods, cosmetics, and other products.

For thickening purposes, xanthan gum is added by itself and used for thickening.

For gelling purposes, it is used in combination with roasted bean gum to form gels. It is also possible to synergistically thicken the solution, so the combination of thickening agents is also important.

Properties of Xanthan Gum Solution

Xanthan gum solution is non-Newtonian fluid with the property of pseudoplastic flow. Pseudoplastic flow is a property in which the viscosity decreases when a force is applied and increases when the solution is left in a state in which no force is applied. Many foods in tube containers, such as mayonnaise and ketchup, have this property.

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Camphene

What Is Camphene?

Camphene is a bicyclic hydrocarbon found in essential oils, which are volatile oils extracted from plants.

Essential oils contain hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, esters, etc. Camphene is one of these hydrocarbons and belongs to the monoterpene group.

Monoterpenes are a naturally occurring class of hydrocarbons, a group of hydrocarbons with small molecular weight consisting of a single isoprene unit.

Because of their small molecular weight, they are easily volatilized and often have a strong aroma. Camphene is the only known essential oil hydrocarbon that crystallizes at room temperature. Some essential oil components that are not hydrocarbons also crystallize at room temperature, such as camphor, which is a ketone.

Uses of Camphene

Camphene is mainly used as an ingredient in food flavoring and cosmetics because of its characteristic natural camphor-like odor. It is also used in non-alcoholic disinfectants and sanitizers and in fragrance compositions for insect repellents.

Other important uses are as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. It serves as an intermediate in the chemical camphor, a synthetic camphor, from which camphene is made, although camphene is made from alpha-pinene.

Because of its characteristic bicyclic structure and highly reactive double bonds, it is often used in the synthesis of chemicals with complex structures. Examples include applications in pharmaceuticals and pesticides, or in the production of fragrances with different aromas by derivatization to esters.

Properties of Camphene

Camphene’s molecular formula is C10H16, its molecular weight is 136.23, and its CAS registration number is 79-92-5. Its melting point is 52°C, and it is solid at room temperature. However, it volatilizes by sublimation.

It is almost insoluble in water, but soluble in ether. It is a colorless crystal at room temperature, but volatilizes at room temperature and has a pungent odor. It is found in natural camphor oil, turpentine oil, and cypress oil and is part of their odor.

How to Choose Camphene

A particular thing to note about camphene is that it has optical isomers. One way to refer to the optical isomers is as d-/(+) (right-handed) or l-/(-) (left-handed). Many commercial products are also labeled accordingly.

The purpose of use should be taken into consideration when deciding whether one of the optical isomers or the racemic form should be obtained. Other points to keep in mind when purchasing are general for organic chemicals.

Depending on whether the use is for research or industrial purposes, either the reagent or the industrial chemical form should be selected. For reagents, choose the grade of reagent and the recommended use (e.g., reagent for ~) depending on whether the reagent is for synthesis or analysis.

In general, reagents for analytical use are of higher purity. The intended use determines the required purity.

Other Information about Camphene

1. Origin and Production Method

Naturally, camphene is found in the essential oils of plants, with the optical isomer d(+)-Camphene in the ginger plant, and l(-)-Camphene in the camphoraceous plant. Most commercial products are synthetic.

Industrially, it is produced by catalytic isomerization of α-pinene or by alkaline dehydrochlorination of bornyl chloride, which is synthesized by treating α-pinene with hydrogen chloride.

2. Toxicity Information

Camphene is irritating, especially to the eyes. Although it is a solid, it is volatile, and the volatilized vapor is flammable. It is also flammable. It is also considered to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms. Therefore, it must be stored so as not to leak into the environment.

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Beta-Caryophyllene

What Is Beta-Caryophyllene?

Beta-caryophyllene is an aromatic ingredient isolated from clove buds and flowers. It is also found in rosemary and hops.

Its aroma is herbal and woody, reminiscent of spices.

Beta-caryophyllene, which is also found in cannabis plants, has an effect on the central nervous system. On the other hand, beta-caryophyllene have recently been shown to be effective in increasing bone mass and in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Uses of Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene are aromatic ingredients and is used in the formulation of essential oils.

It is also said to have a synergistic effect when taken together with cannabidiol (CBD), which is extracted from the stems and seeds of the cannabis plant.
However, the cannabis leaf itself is considered a narcotic, so it should be handled with care.

Other compounds, such as beta-caryophyllene transformed into caryophyllene oxide, are used by drug-sniffing dogs to help them identify marijuana.

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Caffeine

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant alkaloid.

It is found primarily in coffee, tea, cocoa, and energy drinks, and may also be added to some drugs and dietary supplements.

Synthetic caffeine is manufactured using urea as a starting material. Natural caffeine can be obtained by extraction from coffee beans or other sources. It is also obtained from the production of decaffeinated coffee.

The effects of caffeine include its effect on the cerebral cortex to eliminate drowsiness, its effect on the heart to dilate the coronary arteries, and its diuretic effect.

Uses of Caffeine

Caffeine has stimulant, antipyretic, analgesic, cardiotonic, and diuretic effects, and is used as a central nervous system stimulant, diuretic, and inotropic agent for angina pectoris and other such ailments. It is also sometimes found in headache and cold medicines due to its cerebral vasoconstrictive effects.

Caffeine is used as a food additive for bitter taste and other uses, and is often added to some soft drinks and foods. It is also used in physiological research and as a raw material for organic synthesis.

It is also used to repel insects, and there are examples of its use in agriculture.

Properties of Caffeine

Caffeine’s chemical name is 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, and it is a white, columnar crystal in appearance. It is soluble in water, ethanol, chloroform, ether, acetone, and benzene, but is insoluble in petroleum ether and ligroin. It has no odor and has a bitter taste.

Caffeine affects the central nervous system, increasing alertness. It is also believed to improve athletic performance and reduce feelings of fatigue. However, excessive intake can cause anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia.

Health studies suggest that in moderate amounts, caffeine has a positive effect on health. However, in excess or in the presence of a pre-existing medical condition, it can have a negative impact on health. Therefore, it is important to observe moderation in the consumption of caffeine.

In particular, pregnant women, lactating women, and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat may need to limit their intake of caffeine. It is important to adjust your caffeine intake according to your doctor’s instructions.

Other Information on Caffeine

1. Caffeine Intoxication

Excessive intake of caffeine can cause caffeine overdose. Ingested caffeine affects the central nervous system, causing excessive arousal and excitement, which, depending on the amount consumed and individual sensitivity, such as:

Symptoms of caffeine intoxication include the following:

  • Insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, unstable mood
  • Increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting
  • Headache, dizziness, tremors in arms and legs

In severe cases, hallucinations, confusion, convulsions, and difficulty breathing may occur. Caffeine in large doses and over a long period of time can also lead to addiction and chronic health problems.

To prevent caffeine addiction, it is important to know the appropriate amount of caffeine to consume and to adhere to a maximum intake limit. If you feel ill from caffeine intake, try to reduce your intake or cut back on the amount you consume. It is also important to consult a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.

2. Effects on the Body

While caffeine can temporarily stop headaches, regular use can increase the likelihood of headaches. This is due to its cerebral vasoconstrictive effects.

3. Dependence and Tolerance

Repeated consumption of caffeine can lead to a mild psychological dependence, which is called caffeine dependence. In addition, the various effects of caffeine diminish with regular consumption, and tolerance develops.

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Oleic Acid

What Is Oleic Acid?

Oleic acid is a fatty acid classified as a monounsaturated fatty acid. In other words, it is a type of unsaturated fatty acid that has unsaturated bonds in its molecule. It is found in vegetable oils such as olive oil, safflower oil, rapeseed oil, or sunflower oil.

Oleic acid in vegetable oils exist in the form of triglycerides (triacylglycerols), which are ester bonds with glycerol.

Oleic acid have unsaturated bonds in its molecule, making it more susceptible to oxidation than saturated fatty acids such as stearic acid.

Structure of Oleic Acid

The molecular structure of oleic acid are similar to that of stearic acid, the main component of animal fats, or linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are found in vegetable fats. The molecular structural formula for oleic acid are CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH.

Both fatty acids have 18 carbons and are highly hydrophobic and insoluble in water. Each fatty acid also has one carboxy group (-COOH) in its molecule; the 17-carbon linkage corresponds to a fat, and the carboxy group corresponds to an acid.

Oleic acid differs from stearic acid and linoleic acid in the number and position of its unsaturated bonds. in its molecule. Linoleic acid has two unsaturated bonds and linolenic acid has three unsaturated bonds.

Properties of Oleic Acid

The properties of oleic acid are due to its molecular structure. Oleic acid are liquid while stearic acid, which has the same number of carbons but no unsaturated bonds, is solid at room temperature. Oleic acid has melting point around 13°C, so it does not solidify like lard unless the temperature is low, such as during winter, and then it remains in a liquid state.

Oleic acid also has carboxy groups in its molecule, which can be neutralized with an alkali to disperse it in water and produce a surfactant effect similar to that of soap.

Uses of Oleic Acid

Triglycerides of oleic acid are used as edible fats and oils, while oleic acid obtained from triglycerides is mainly used as an industrial raw material. Oleic acid is used as a raw material for surfactants, as a compounding ingredient for printing inks, as an antifoaming agent, as an additive for lubricating oils, and as an oily ingredient for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

For example, oleic acid can be used as a pre-reactive raw material to synthesize surfactants by reacting it with other raw materials. Furthermore, by neutralizing oleic acid with an alkaline agent, it can be given a soap-like function.

Other Information on Oleic Acid

Although not oleic acid itself, vegetable oils containing triglycerides of oleic acid can have beneficial effects on the body. Specifically, it is said to suppress LDL cholesterol, which is considered the bad cholesterol.

Vegetable oils containing unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid are liquid at room temperature, as described above. Liquid vegetable oils are converted to solid fats such as margarine through a chemical reaction that converts unsaturated bonds to saturated bonds. A chemical reaction called hydrogenation is used to artificially create butter-like solid fats and oils from vegetable oils.

Hydrogenation changes some oleic acid from cis-type to trans-type with unsaturated bonds to form eridic acid. Elaidic acid is similar to oleic acid, but is a trans fatty acid. Trans fatty acids have been introduced when the subject of research as substances that may have harmful effects into the body in large amounts as food.

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Phosphorus Oxychloride

What Is Phosphorus Oxychloride?

Phosphorus Oxychloride is a compound in which an oxygen atom is added to phosphorus trichloride.

It reacts violently with water, producing decomposition products including hydrogen chloride and phosphoric acid. In addition, moisture in the air produces hydrogen chloride gas.

It is possible to make phosphorus trichloride by reacting it with oxygen and oxidizing it directly. In addition, phosphorus pentachloride, which is made by the action of chlorine on phosphorus trichloride, can be produced by decomposing it with water. Phosphorus trichloride is obtained by reacting phosphorus with chlorine.

Uses of Phosphorus Oxychloride

Phosphorus Oxychloride is used in the manufacture of hydraulic fluids, plasticizers, gasoline additives, and fire retardants. It can also be used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, dyes, phosphorus pesticides, fragrances, raw materials for nonflammable films, and uranium ore extractants.

In addition, it is used as a diffusing agent in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Properties of Phosphorus Oxychloride

Phosphorus-Oxychloride_オキシ塩化リン-1.

Figure 1. Structure of phosphorus oxychloride

Phosphorus Oxychloride has a melting point of 1.25°C and a boiling point of 105.8°C. It is a colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor. The vapor is heavier than air. Its molecular formula is POCl3 and its molar mass is 153.33 g/mol. It is also called phosphoryl chloride or trichloride phosphate

Phosphorus Oxychloride is a phosphorus-centered tetrahedral chemical with three P-Cl bonds and one P=O bond; the P=O bond is very strong, with a bond dissociation energy of 533.5 kJ/mol. The Schomaker-Stevenson rule states that the contribution of the double bond is considerably larger than that of phosphoryl fluoride (POF3) in terms of bond strength and electronegativity.

The P=O bond in phosphorus oxychloride is different from the π bond in the carbonyl group of ketones; the P-O π bond appears to result from the donation of a lone electron pair of an O atom to the σ* orbital of P-Cl. However, the P-O interaction is still long disputed.

Other Information on Phosphorus Oxychloride

1. Reactions of Phosphorus Oxychloride

Triaryl phosphates can be obtained by heating excess phenol and phosphorus oxychloride together with a Lewis acid such as magnesium chloride.

Phosphorus Oxychloride can also act as a Lewis base. For example, when reacted with a Lewis acid such as titanium tetrachloride, it produces an adduct.

The adduct of phosphorus oxychloride and aluminum chloride is stable, and aluminum chloride can be completely removed from the mixture after the Friedel-Crafts reaction. In the presence of aluminum chloride, phosphorus oxychloride reacts with hydrogen bromide to give POBr3.

2. Reaction With Phosphorus Oxychloride

Phosphorus-Oxychloride_オキシ塩化リン-2

Figure 2. Reaction using phosphorus oxychloride

Phosphorus Oxychloride is often used in the laboratory as a dehydrating reagent. Specifically, it is used in the conversion of amides to nitriles.

Phosphorus Oxychloride can also be used in the Bischler-Napieralski reaction. In other words, the amide precursor undergoes ring closure to produce a dihydroisoquinoline derivative. 

3.Birsmeier-Hack Reaction Using Phosphorus Oxychloride

Phosphorus-Oxychloride_オキシ塩化リン-3.

Figure 3. Birsmeier-Hack reaction with phosphorus oxychloride

The Vilsmeier-Haack reaction is a reaction between an active aromatic compound and an amide in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride. Phosphorus oxychloride activates the aromatic ring, which acylates to form aromatic aldehydes and ketones.

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Epichlorohydrin

What Is Epichlorohydrin?

Epichlorohydrin is a highly reactive monomer with epoxy and chlorine groups. It is also known as 2-chloromethyloxirane, 1-chloro-2,3-epoxypropane, and gamma-chloropropylene oxide.

Epichlorohydrin is corrosive and irritates the eyes, nose, and throat. If inhaled, it can cause headache, dizziness, and other central nervous system disorders.

Uses of Epichlorohydrin

Epichlorohydrin is used as a synthetic raw material. In particular, it is often used as the main raw material for epoxy resins, which are widely used in the chemical industry, especially in the automotive and electronics industries. Epoxy resins are used in common paints in the field of coatings, electrodeposition coatings for automotive and industrial applications, and coatings for the inside of drums and cans.

In the field of electronics, they are used for printed circuit boards and coil insulating materials. In the field of civil engineering and construction, they are used for anticorrosion coatings, adhesives and sealants for concrete and steel.

Besides epoxy resins, they are also widely used as synthetic raw materials for glycerin and other products such as epichlorohydrin rubber and glycidyl methacrylate, and as solvents for cellulose acetate, cellophane and ester rubber.

Other applications include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, surfactants, synthetic raw materials for ion exchange resins, fiber treatment agents, and solvents.

Properties of Epichlorohydrin

Epichlorohydrin has the molecular formula C3H5ClO, molecular weight 92.5, and is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a pungent odor similar to chloroform.

It is flammable with a specific gravity of 1.2058, a melting point of -26°C, a boiling point of 116°C, and a flash point of 31°C. It is slightly soluble in water and readily soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols, ether, chloroform, trichloroethylene, and carbon tetrachloride, but not in hydrocarbons.

Epichlorohydrin is unstable in the presence of acidic and basic substances. It reacts with a variety of substances because of its two highly reactive functional groups, an epoxy group and a chlorinated alkyl group. It is highly volatile with explosive limits ranging from 3.8 to 21% and tends to form explosive mixtures with air. Vapor is heavier than air and tends to stay in low places, so ventilation and local exhaust ventilation should be provided during use.

It reacts violently with metal powder, zinc, aluminum, alcohol, phenol, amines (especially aniline), organic acids, water, etc., causing fire or explosion.

Other Information on Epichlorohydrin

How Epichlorohydrin Is Produced

Epichlorohydrin can be produced in two ways: from allyl chloride, obtained by the reaction of propylene and chlorine, or from allyl alcohol, obtained by the reaction of propylene and acetic acid.

1. Allyl chloride method
Allyl chloride is reacted with hypochlorous acid solution to obtain dichloropropanol. This is then reacted with alkali to produce crude epichlorohydrin by dehydrochlorination, and impurities are removed by distillation.

CH2=CHCH3 + Cl2 → CH2=CHCHCH2Cl + HCl (Synthesis of allyl chloride)
CH2=CHCH2Cl + HOCl → CH2ClCH(OH)CH2Cl
CH2ClCH(OH)CH2Cl → CH2CHOCH2Cl + HCl

2. Allyl alcohol method
Allyl alcohol is chlorinated with chlorine in hydrochloric acid solution to obtain dichloropropanol. This is then dehydrochlorinated by adding alkali to produce crude epichlorohydrin, which is distilled to yield the product epichlorohydrin.

2CH2=CHCHCH3 + 2CH3COOH + O2 → CH2=CHCHCH2OCOCH3 +H2O → CH2=CHCHCH2OH + CH3COOH (synthesis of allyl alcohol)
CH2=CHCHCH2OH + Cl2 → CH2ClCH(OH)CH2Cl
CH2ClCH(OH)CH2Cl → CH2CHOCH2Cl + HCl

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Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid

What Is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid?

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (chemical formula C10H16N2O8) is a type of metal chelating agent that exists as a colorless crystalline individual at room temperature. It is also known as EDTA, or edetic acid.

It sequesters metal ions, thus preventing their inherent reactions with other components and creating stable water-soluble chelates.

Uses of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is mainly used as a chelating agent in a variety of fields.

1. Chelatometric Titration

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is used to measure the concentration of metal ions by utilizing its 1:1 bonding property with metal ions.

First, an indicator that develops color by forming a complex with a metal ion is added to a metal ion solution of unknown concentration.

Next, an aqueous solution of EDTA, the concentration of which is known, is gradually added drop by drop.

When all the metal ions in the solution form chelate complexes, the coloration disappears. The concentration of the metal ions is determined from the amount of EDTA solution dropped at this time.

2. Water Treatment

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is used in the treatment of tap water to remove calcium and magnesium salts that have accumulated in the pipes. It is also used in the food and cosmetics industries to prevent poor quality caused by metal ions.

3. Medical Care

In the pharmaceutical field, it is used to maintain the properties of drugs that prevent blood clotting, antibiotics, antihistamines, and local anesthetics.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is also sometimes used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, known as chelation therapy. Metal poisoning is a condition caused by the accumulation of excess metal ions in the body. It is administered to remove excess metal ions from the body, thereby relieving the symptoms of poisoning. For example, it is used to treat patients with lead poisoning.

4. Biological Experiments

Cells, proteins, and DNA are bound together via metal ions, and EDTA is used to diverge these bonds.

For example, artificially cultured cells are bound to each other via metal ions, and an enzyme solution with EDTA is commonly used to break cells apart from each other. DNA and proteins are also often bound to metal ions, which can be removed by adding EDTA.

5. Antioxidants

Oxidation is known to occur in rubber, vegetable oils, and foods through the catalytic action of trace amounts of metal ions. Since oxidation causes quality deterioration, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is sometimes added as an antioxidant as a countermeasure.

Properties of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

1. Physical Properties

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is a white solid at room temperature with a molecular weight of 292.24 and a melting point of 237-245℃. Its solubility in water is 0.2g/100g and octanol/water partition coefficient is -3.86.

2. Chelating Action

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid has the property of binding to and forming complexes with metal ions that affect products. Since it traps metal ions, it acts to prevent inherent reactions between metal ions and other components.

The binding of a ligand with multiple coordination sites to a metal ion is called a chelate, and EDTA is known to form stable, water-soluble chelates with many metal ions.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid has four coordination loci, allowing it to bind to almost any metal ion from 1 to 4 valence, including silver, calcium, copper, and iron.

Other Information on Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

1. Production Method

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is produced by reacting ethylenediamine, sodium cyanide, and formalin in the presence of an alkali at 60 to 150°C. The resulting solution in the sodium salt state is then used to produce EDTA.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid in the sodium salt state obtained can be purified to obtain highly pure EDTA. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is usually sold as the divalent sodium salt.

2. Environmental Impact

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid can have a negative impact on the environment. It is highly water soluble, and if released into wastewater, it can enter rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water.

If wastewater containing EDTA is not properly treated, it may adversely affect aquatic life and water quality by binding dissolved metal ions in the water.

3. Effects on the Human Body

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid binds strongly to metal ions and has been reported to cause adverse effects such as bone marrow suppression and renal failure when ingested in large quantities. However, it is safe in commonly used concentration ranges and may be added to foods and pharmaceuticals.

決済端末

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決済端末とは

決済端末とは、消費者が購入した商品やサービスに対して、現金以外の方法で支払いをするときに、商品やサービスの提供者が用意する端末です。

現金以外の決済には、クレジットカード決済や、電子マネー決済、バーコード決済、QRコード決済などがあります。

また、顧客のスマートフォン上に顧客情報が入ったバーコードを表示して、それを読み取るバーコード決済や、逆にQRコードとも呼ばれる2次元バーコードを表示して、それを顧客のスマートフォンで読み取るQRコード決済があります。バーコード決済のことを、QRコード決済と説明している場合もあります。ここではバーコード決済に統一して説明します。

決済端末の使用用途

決済端末は現金以外の方法で、金銭の授受を完了させるために使用します。高額な商品をクレジットカードで決済すれば、多額の現金を持ち歩く必要がありません。駅の売店や自動販売機で電子マネーが使えれば、小銭を財布から出したり、釣り銭が財布の中に増えることもないので、スマートに買い物ができます。

スマートフォンを使ったバーコード決済では、必要なお金をインターネットバンキングで、スマートフォン上に移動できるので、手持ちの現金を気にせずに日常の買い物ができます。

決済端末の原理

クレジットカードは、プラスチックのカードに磁気ストライプと呼ばれる、磁気で情報を記録するテープが埋め込まれています。磁気ストライプには顧客情報が記録されています。クレジットカード用の決済端末は、クレジットカードをカードリーダーで読み取り、クレジットカードと顧客に関する情報を入手します。

電子マネー決済では、ICチップが埋め込まれたプラスチックのカードまたは、スマートフォンに、顧客が前もって一定の金額を入金しておきます。このICチップが組み込まれたカードやスマートフォンを電子マネー専用の読み取り機に近づけると、読み取り機から出る弱い電波に反応して、ICチップから、使った金額分の電子マネーが引き落されます。

バーコード決済には、2つの決済方法があります。1つ目は顧客のスマートフォン上に表示した、顧客情報が記述された1次元のバーコードを、店舗側のバーコードスキャナで読み取り、それに顧客が購入した商品やサービスの情報を付加して決済します。2つ目は、店舗に関する情報を、2次元バーコード (QR) コードで提示します。顧客はその情報をスマートフォンのQRコードスキャナ機能を使って読み取り、それに購入金額を入力して、通信で決済業者に送ります。

決済端末の種類

決済端末には、クレジットカードを読み取るリーダー、微弱な電波で電子マネーのやり取りをする通信機器、バーコードを読み取るスキャナと3種類に分かれます。最近では、その2つないしは3つの機能を持った複合型の端末も増えてきています。

しかし、決済端末の役割を知るには、現金の授受も管理するレジスタや、さらにその上位に位置して、売り上げ全体を管理するPOSシステムと一緒に考えなければなりません。

決済端末の選び方

決済端末を選ぶには、それ以前にどのような決済方法を選択するのか、選択しないのかを決めます。現金以外の決済方法は、顧客に対して現金を持ち歩かなくても商品やサービスを購入できるという利便性や安全性を提供します。

それに対して、決済サービス業者は、店舗などから利用料金を徴収します。店舗には、サービス利用料、POSシステム一式のレンタル料金、通信料金などのコストが発生します。店舗はそれらのコストを考えても、顧客に利便性、安全性を提供することによる売り上げ増大、利益増大のメリットの方が大きいと考えるならば、決済サービスを導入します。

例えば、スーパーマーケットには、クレジットカード決済、電子マネー決済、バーコード決済など複数の決済方法を導入している店があります。その一方で、決済を現金のみに限定してコストを抑え、価格の安さで顧客集めているスーパーマーケットもあります。

空港や百貨店など、比較的金額の大きな商品やサービスを提供する場所は、クレジットカードの決済サービスが向いていると考えられます。その場合、クレジットカード用の端末を導入します。

また、首都圏のJRや私鉄のように改札機、自動販売機、駅の売店でスイカやパスモのような交通系ICカードと呼ばれる、電子マネーの利用が進んでいる場所があります。このような場所に店舗を出すのであれば、電子マネー対応の決済端末を導入するメリットが大きいです。

最近ではコロナウイルス感染症広がりの影響もあり、キャッシュレス決済を好む人が増えています。スマートフォンを使ったバーコード決済をする顧客を取り込みたい場合は、バーコードスキャナ型の決済端末が必要です。

本記事は決済端末を製造・販売する株式会社LIMNO様に監修を頂きました。

株式会社LIMNOの会社概要はこちら