Sorbitol, powder
General Product Information
| Article. | Sorbitol, powder |
| Synonyms | E420, D-Glucitol, D-Sorbitol, Sorbogem, Sorbo, (2S,3R,4R,5R)-Hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol |
| CAS No. | 50-70-4 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 200-061-5 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 29054491 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Sorbitol (powder) is a polyhydric alcohol (sugar alcohol) found naturally in various fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches and plums. It is produced industrially by the hydrogenation of glucose. In powder form, sorbitol is a white, crystalline, sweet-tasting substance widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries.
Also available:
Sorbitol, solution (Pharmaceutical Grade),
Sorbitol, solution (Food Grade),
Sorbitol, powder (Food Grade)
Characteristics
- Odor: –
- Hygroscopic: Yes, light.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Pharmaceutical.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; hardly soluble in ethanol.
- Taste: Mildly sweet, less sweet than sugar.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C6H14O6 |
| Molar Weight | 182.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 95-100 °C (may decompose at higher temperatures) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | Approx. 1.49 g/cm³. |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | – |
Applications
Sorbitol (powder) is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Commonly used as a sweetener (including under food additive E420) in sugar-free gum, candy, pastries, and diet products. It also serves as a moisture retention agent and texture enhancer.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
Used as a filler and sweetener in tablets and syrups. Also has laxative effect at higher doses.
3. Cosmetic Industry
Sorbitol acts as a moisturizer and stabilizer in skin care products, toothpaste and mouthwash.
4. Chemical Industry
Raw material for the production of sorbitan esters (emulsifiers) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Interessing Links
- British Pharmacopoeia (BP) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC) – Food facts for healthy choices.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- European Pharmacopoeia (EP) of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare.
- PubChem – Sorbitol – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Wikipedia – Sorbitol