Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as sweetener, laxative, a component of cosmetics, a component of rocket fuel.  Sorbitol occurs naturally in a variety of berries and fruits (e.g., apples and blackberries).

Sweetener

Sorbitol is a sugar substitute. It is often used in diet foods (including diet drinks and ice cream), mints, cough syrups, and sugar-free chewing gum.
Sorbitol is also used as a humectant in cookies and low-moisture foods like peanut butter and fruit preserves. In baking, it is also valuable because it acts as a plasticizer, and slows down the staling process. In confectionery industry sorbitol is used in hard boiled candies and chewing gum.

Medical Applications, Laxative

As is the case with other sugar alcohols, foods containing sorbitol can cause gastrointestinal distress. Sorbitol can be used as a laxative when taken orally or as an enema. Sorbitol works as a laxative by drawing water into the large intestine, stimulating bowel movements. Sorbitol has been determined safe for use by the elderly, although it is not recommended without the advice of a physician.

Sorbitol may cause allergic reactions in some people. Common side effects from use as a laxative are stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea or rectal bleeding.

Health care, food, and cosmetic uses

Sorbitol often is used in modern cosmetics as a humectant and thickener. It is also used in mouthwash and toothpaste. Some transparent gels can be made only with sorbitol, because of its high refractive index.

Rocket Fuel and Biomass

A mixture of sorbitol and potassium nitrate has found some success as an amateur solid rocket fuel.

Sorbitol is identified as a potential key chemical intermediate for production of fuels from biomass resources. Carbohydrate fractions in biomass such as cellulose undergo sequential hydrolysis and hydrogenation in the presence of metal catalysts to produce sorbitol. Complete reduction of sorbitol opens the way to alkanes, such as hexane, which can be used as a biofuel. 

Appearance

White crystaline granular powder, odourless and cool sweet taste.

Assay, sorbitol content

91 – 100.5%

Moisture

1.5% max (Karl Fischer Method)

Reducing Sugars

0.30% max as glucose

Lead

0.5 ppm Max

Packaging

  • 50-Lb boxes
  • 44-Lb bags
  • 5-Lb pails
  • 1-Lb Jars
  • Custom packaging upon request

Where to buy Sorbitol?

Sorbitol can be ordered online at Chemical Store.com, ZChemicals.com, Nutchem.com and ScienceKitStore.com. For large orders and food manufacturing applications please call or email chemical store to coordinate your order with an application specialist.

pH (10% solution)

3.5 -7.0

Residue on ignition

0.3% max

Nickel

1 ppm Max

Chloride

50 ppm Max

Sulfates

100 ppm Max

Heavy Metals

5 ppm Max

Shelf life

Minimum of 12 months after production/ certification date depending on customers sensitivity to caking. Best before the expiration date on packaging.

Properties

For more information and application support please contact Chemical Store: 1059 Main Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey 07011, USA      Tel: (973) 405-6248     info @ Chemical Store . com