Sorbitol
D-Sorbitol, Glucitol
- CAS
- 50-70-4
- EC
- 200-061-5
- Food Code
- E420
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharma & Healthcare
Sorbitol (CAS 50-70-4) is a polyhydric alcohol, also known as D-glucitol, supplied as a white or almost white crystalline powder with about half the sweetness of sucrose; it is used as a sweetener and humectant in food processing, an excipient in pharmaceuticals, and a moisture-retention agent in cosmetics. It is a polyhydric alcohol with about half the sweetness of sucrose, highly soluble in water (up to 2350 g/L at 25°C), and insoluble in most organic solvents. Hygroscopic with a melting point of 95°C, it occurs naturally in fruits and is produced synthetically from glucose via hydrogenation.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C6H14O6 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 182.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or almost white, crystalline powder. |
| Form | liquid |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | 110-112 °C |
| Boiling point | 295 °C @ Press: 3.5 Torr |
| Density | 1.489 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Water solubility | SOLUBLE |
| Flash point | >100°C |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 (25°C, 1M in H2O) |
| HS code | 29054491 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Sorbitol
Applications
Used as a sweetener and humectant in food processing, pharmaceuticals for laxatives and excipients, cosmetics for moisture retention, and in polyurethane foams for flame retardancy; also serves as a bacterial culture supplement in media preparation.
Safety & Risks
Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) with low toxicity; may cause gastrointestinal upset in high doses. Nonflammable and noncorrosive; avoid dust inhalation which irritates nose and throat. Use PPE; stable but incompatible with strong oxidizers.
Packaging
Typically in 25kg polypropylene bags or fiber drums with PE liners; store tightly closed in dry, cool, ventilated areas; rinse containers for recycling or dispose in sanitary landfills per regulations.