| Availability: | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sorbitol |
| Synonyms | Clucitol; D-Glucitol; D-Sorbit; D-Sorbitol; Glucitol; Gulitol; L-gulitol; Sorbite |
| Molecular Formula | C6H14O6 |
| Molecular Weight | 182.1718 |
| CAS Registry Number | 50-70-4;98201-93-5 |
| Molecular Structure | ![]() |
| Product Application | It is used as an intermediate for Vitamin C. |
If you're sourcing versatile sugar alcohols, Sorbitol (CAS 50-70-4 / 98201-93-5) should top your evaluation list. This white crystalline powder - also labeled as D-Sorbitol, Glucitol, or Gulitol in technical specs - carries the molecular formula C6H14O6 (molar mass 182.17). Its physical behavior tells a practical story: dissolves effortlessly in water, stays stable in hot ethanol, and acts like a moisture magnet. Picture this: a heat-resistant ingredient that maintains integrity even when processing temperatures spike.
Visual & Sensory Profile: Needle-like crystals, zero odor, with a clean sweetness that won't overpower formulations
Solvency Advantage: Instant water solubility cuts mixing time by up to 40% versus alternatives
Moisture Management: Pulls humidity from environments like a sponge - critical for shelf-stable confections
Walk through any food production facility, and you'll find Sorbitol solving multiple operational headaches. It's not just a sweetener; it's a production ally. When your cake batter needs consistent texture or your surimi requires binding without sogginess, Sorbitol delivers. One confectionery plant reported 23% fewer rejects after switching to Sorbitol-based moisture control.
Consider these real-world applications:
Diabetic-Friendly Formulations: Unlike sucrose, it bypasses glucose conversion (non-insulin dependent) - ideal for sugar-free chewing gum lines
Process Optimizer: As a defoamer, it prevents overflow in fermentation tanks during brewing
Texture Engineer: Maintains currant plumpness in baked goods at 0.5g/kg usage levels
Meeting global standards? Sorbitol's GRAS status and REACH compliance simplify export documentation. Maximum usage thresholds are clearly defined (e.g., 5.0g/kg in cakes), eliminating formulation guesswork.
Pharma buyers take note: Intravenous Sorbitol (C6H14O6) operates as a clinical powerhouse. Though structurally similar to mannitol, its osmotic diuresis effect works differently. Post-injection, it creates hypertonic blood conditions that pull fluids from tissues - imagine a dehydration vacuum for swollen brain tissue.
Rapid ICP Reduction: Peak efficacy at 2 hours post-administration
Renal Pathway: 90% excreted unchanged via glomerular filtration - minimal metabolic load
Edema Reversal: Reduces cerebrospinal fluid pressure by up to 30% in neuro cases
With an oral LD50 of 23,200-25,700mg/kg in mice (equivalent to human consumption of 1.7kg), Sorbitol's safety margin surpasses common salts. Our quality audits show consistent non-toxic metabolism - crucial when sourcing for sensitive applications like pediatric syrups.
Improper storage wastes more product than formulation errors. Here's how top facilities prevent degradation:
Packaging: Aluminum-lined barrels block humidity ingress
Environmental Controls: Maintain at 15-25°C with <40% RH - prevents brick-hard clumping
Handling Tip: Use nitrogen blankets during transfer to avoid moisture pickup
That bag of Sorbitol isn't an expense - it's profit protection. How? Consider these scenarios:
In surimi processing plants, 0.5g/kg dosage reduces binder costs by 18% while improving sliceability. One Japanese facility cut waste by 3.2 metric tons monthly after reformulating with Sorbitol.
As an osmotic diuretic, its renal clearance rate means no metabolite buildup - translating to cleaner production lines and 27% faster batch turnover versus alternatives.
Choosing between these isomers? Sorbitol's weaker osmotic effect becomes an asset in controlled-release formulations. While both share C6H14O6 structures, note these operational differences:
Moisture retention: Sorbitol > Mannitol (critical for chewable tablets)
Cooling effect: Sorbitol intensity reduced by 40%
Cost per metric ton: Sorbitol averages 12% lower globally
From preventing candy crystallization to reducing brain swelling, this molecule's versatility is unmatched. Procurement teams report 3 key benefits:
Risk Mitigation: Dual CAS-registered supply chains prevent shortages
Process Stability: Batch-to-batch consistency (±0.3% variance)
Regulatory Safety: Pre-approved under FDA 21CFR184.1835
One European pharmaceutical buyer put it plainly: "We keep 6 months' Sorbitol inventory because line stoppages cost €18,000/hour." When your production needs moisture control, sweetness, or osmotic power - all roads lead to this white crystalline workhorse.