Octenyl-succinic anhydride (OSA) is a chemical compound commonly used in the food industry as a starch modifier. It is produced by reacting succinic anhydride with octenyl alcohol, which is derived from starch. The resulting chemical reaction forms an ester linkage between the starch molecule and the octenyl-succinic anhydride molecule. This modified starch, known as starch sodium octenyl-succinate, is used as a food ingredient to improve the texture and stability of food products such as bread, crackers, and snacks.
