Sorbitol

What is Sorbitol?

Molecular Formula (Sorbitol): C₆H₁₄O₆

Molecular Weight: 182.17 g/mol

Chemical Name: Sorbitol

CAS Number: 50-70-4

Sorbitol is also called glucitol. It is a sugar alcohol found in many foods. It has a sweetness of approximately 60% of sucrose.

It is a common sugar alcohol used to sweeten medicines, candies, baked goods, and chewing gums.

It is a naturally occurring polyol. It is found in fruits such as apples, cherries, and apricots. It is a lower-calorie sweetener, providing 2 calories per gram.

Other Names are as Follows;

• D-Sorbitol
• D-Glucitol
• Sorbol
• Sorbit
• L-Gulitol
• 50-70-4
• G-ol
• Glucitol, D-
• Hexahydric Alcohol
• E-420

How is Sorbitol Produced?

The primary method used in sorbitol production is obtained from the hydrogenation of glucose under high pressure with a nickel catalyst. In the production process, further refining is applied using an ion exchange resin. Subsequently, it is concentrated, crystallized, and finally, the end product is formed.

In production, it is commercially produced as a 70% syrup or a pure powder.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

It is in the form of a white and almost white crystalline powder. It is odorless and has hygroscopic properties.

Sorbitol appears as a white hygroscopic powder, crystalline powder, flakes, or granules.

The melting point is 111 °C.

Boiling Point: 296 °C (decomposes)

It has high solubility. Its solubility at 25 °C is 220 g/100 mL.

Its density is 1.5 g/cm³.

Under strong acidic and alcohol conditions, it forms chelates with multivalent and trivalent ions. It is generally chemically inert, making it compatible with excipients.

When heated, it emits acidic smoke and exhibits irritating properties.

What are the Usage Areas of Sorbitol?

• Usage areas include the following applications.

1. Use in medical products
2. Use in the manufacture of artificial sweeteners
3. Use in candy manufacturing
4. Use in diet foods
5. Use in pharmaceutical applications

• It is used as an excipient in drug formulations. Additionally, it is widely used in cosmetics and some food products.
• It is commonly used in the production of medicines for treating constipation, as it has a laxative effect. In this field, it is used as a gastrointestinal agent.
• It acts as a diluent in tablet formulas prepared by wet granulation or direct compression.
• In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a plasticizing raw material for gelatin in capsule formulations. It also has a plasticizing effect in film formulations.
• Used in the production of some toothpastes.
• It is utilized for its sweetening properties in the manufacture of medicines produced for the care and relief of cracks occurring in areola tips.
• It acts as a humectant food additive in some food products.
• It is a diluent chemical in tablet prescriptions prepared by wet granulation or direct compression.
• To provide effective protein stabilization, liquid sorbitol is used as an excipient in liquid parenteral biological formulas.
• In the pharmaceutical industry, sorbitol is one of the most suitable chemicals for preventing crystallization around bottle caps, such as with indomethacin.
• It is used to detect blood flow in the liver.

What are Other Usage Areas?

• Dried fruits are dipped in 70% Sorbitol to provide shine and sweetness.
• Appropriate disinfection agents are produced for teats to eliminate issues like bacteria in the udders of dairy animals. Powder Sorbitol is used in this application. Additionally, chemicals like Xanthan Gum as a thickener and Tricalcium Phosphate as an anti-caking agent are used.
• In the manufacture of hot and cold complex gels, 70% liquid sorbitol is used together with carbomer.
• Used in foods, it prevents drying and keeps them fresh.
• It can be used as a drug dispersion agent.
• Bacterial formation occurs in the udders of lactating and milked animals after these processes. To prevent this, disinfection should be performed with a disinfectant after each milking and breastfeeding. It is used in the manufacture of products for this application, leaving a sweet sensation on the animal's teat.
• In the textile industry, it forms complexes with iron, copper, and aluminum ions in alkaline solutions. Thus, it is processed for bleaching and washing purposes.
• Used in printing rollers in the manufacture of resins.
• Used as a humectant in the production of semi-moist pet food. The liquid form is more suitable for this application.
• Used in toothpaste production to provide a mild taste.
• Used as a non-reducing sugar in the cooling liquids of vehicle engines. The reason for its use in this field is that water activity and crystallization inhibition are increased with the increase in Dextrose Equivalent. This causes water to tend to freeze at lower temperatures.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

The price of sorbitol is directly dependent on the prices of the chemicals used in its production. As glucose prices increase, sorbitol prices will also increase.

Prices vary depending on the number of companies producing this chemical. As the number of manufacturing companies increases, prices will decrease in the short term.

The price changes according to the stocks of the companies selling this chemical. As the stocks of selling companies increase, the price of sorbitol will experience a decrease.

The price of sorbitol depends on its areas of use. As the areas of use increase, if supply cannot meet demand, the price of sorbitol will increase.