Sorbitol (solution)
General Product Information
| Article | Sorbitol (solution) |
| Synonyms | E420, (2R,3R,4R,5S)-Hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol, D-Sorbitol, Sorbogem, Sorbo |
| CAS No. | 50-70-4 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 200-061-5 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29054411 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Sorbitol solution is a clear, viscous, aqueous solution consisting mainly of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol (polyol) produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of glucose. The solution typically contains about 70% sorbitol in water and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries. Sorbitol solution is known for its mild sweetening power (about 60% of that of sucrose), its Hygroscopic properties (moisture retention) and its stability in varying pH values.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Grade: Food.
- Flavor: Mildly sweet.
- Sweetening power: ~60% over sugar (sucrose).
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C6H14O6 |
| Molar Weight | 182.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 95-100 °C |
| Boiling Point | >100 °C (depending on water content) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water. |
| Density | Approx. 1.29 – 1.33 g/cm³ (at 20 °C). |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 5,0 – 7,5 |
| Color | Colorless to light yellow |
| Shape | Viscous liquid |
Applications
Sorbitol solution is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
Applied as a filler in tablets and capsules. Solvent and carrier in liquid medicines and syrups. Has a laxative effect at high doses.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care
Used as a wetting agent (humectant) in creams, lotions, toothpaste and mouthwash. Increases viscosity and improves stability of emulsions.
3. Food Industry
Used as a food additive E420. Used as a low-calorie sweetener in “sugar-free” products such as candy, chewing gum, cakes and diet foods. Serves as a moisture retention agent in baked goods and jellies. Improves mouthfeel and stability in beverages.
4. Industrial Applications
Raw material for the production of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Used in the production of polyols, resins and plasticizers. Added to antifreeze as a biodegradable component.
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Sorbitol
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and food ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information about safety and application of food additives.
- PubChem – Sorbitol of the National Library of Medicine by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- Wikipedia – Sorbitol