Xylitol
General Product Information
| Article | Xylitol |
| Synonyms | E967, meso-Xylitol, (2R,3r,4S)-Pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol |
| CAS No. | 87-99-0 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 201-788-0 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff-Code | 290549 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol (polyol) used commercially as a low-calorie sweetener. It is a white, crystalline powder without odor, with a sweetening power similar to sucrose (table sugar), but with about 40% fewer calories. Xylitol is extracted from plant sources such as birch wood, corncobs or other cellulosic crops. It is attractive in the industry because of its health claims, dental friendliness and applicability in a wide range of end products.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Taste: Refreshing, sweet similar to sugar.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | C5H12O5 |
| Molar Weight | 152.15 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 92-96 °C. |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | 1.52 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | – |
Applications
Xylitol is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Xylitol is widely used as a sweetener (including food additive E967) in sugar-free products such as chewing gum, candy, chocolate, pastries, ice cream, beverages and diet products.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
It is used as a flavor masking and wetting agent in syrups, chewable tablets and cough lozenges.
3. Cosmetic Industry
Because of moisturizing properties, xylitol is incorporated into skin care products such as creams and lotions.
4. Oral Care
Xylitol is used in toothpaste, mouthwashes and chewing gum due to its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans.
Interessing Links
- 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)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- PubChem – Xylitol – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Xylitol