Sorbitol
Product Description
Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol derived from glucose, is widely used across several industries due to its unique properties as a sweetener, humectant, and softening agent.
Product:
Sorbitol
CAS:
50-70-4
Synonym:
D-Glucitol
Structure:
Typical Characteristics
Appearance
White crystalline powder
Boiling point
295 °C/3.5 mmhg
Density
1.5 g/cm3
Melting point
110-112 °C
Molecular Weight
182.17
Odor
Odorless
Purity
≥98%
Refractive index
1.3330
Uses, Applications & Markets
Key applications
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Sorbitol used in many
industry applications
Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol derived from glucose, is widely used across several industries due to its unique properties as a sweetener, humectant, and softening agent. Here are some of its key industrial applications:
- Food and Beverages: Sorbitol serves as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free and diabetic-friendly foods, candies, and beverages. It also acts as a humectant to maintain moisture in products like cakes and pastries.
- Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical formulations, sorbitol is used as a laxative to treat constipation and as an excipient to improve the texture of chewable tablets and syrups.
- Personal Care: Due to its ability to retain moisture and prevent drying out, sorbitol is a common ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and cosmetics as a humectant and thickener.
- Chemical Production: Sorbitol is a feedstock in the production of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) through fermentation processes. It's also used to produce polyether polyols for polyurethane foams.
- Plasticizers and Softeners: In the production of soft gels and gelatin capsules, sorbitol acts as a plasticizing agent, improving flexibility and durability.