Introduction
Sorbitol less commonly known as glucitol is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste which the human body metabolizes slowly. It can be obtained by reduction of glucose, which changes the converted aldehyde group (−CHO) to a primary alcohol group (−CH 2 OH).
As a hexahydric alcohol, Sorbitol is a member of the polyhydric alcohol family, the lowest of which are ethylene glycol and glycerol. The close chemical relationship between Sorbitol and the lower alcohols (like glycol and glycerol) is responsible for the similarity in their general physical properties and applications in industrial technology.
Sorbitol is soluble in water to approximately 83 parts Sorbitol in 100 parts of water by weight. Viscosity as well as specific gravity of Sorbitol 70% solution is higher than that of glycerine at the same concentration.
Sorbitol is more resistant to bacteriological degradation than sugar. This resistance also makes it less vulnerable to mould growth than most other humectant plasticising material.
Applications
Oral Care & Cosmetics
Sorbitol is extremely useful as humectant. Because it is stable and non- volatile even with water vapour, there is no loss during heating or cooking or by evaporation. Due to this properties, it is used in toothpaste.
Confectionery
In sugar free candy manufacture, sorbitol finds it application as a sugar free reduced-calorie sweetener. It improves the candy’s softness and chewy texture.
Other Applications
In Diabetic fruit jam and peanut butter, sorbitol is used as a humectant to reduce dryness and improve spreadability. Oral hygiene products, Cosmetics, Paints, Cigarettes, Baked food items.
Pharmaceuticals
As a good humectant and plasticizer sorbitol is usually used in emulsion ointments and in gelatine capsules. It is also finds uses in pharmaceutical syrups where it’s stability, non-carcinogenicity and viscosity are an advantage. Sorbitol is also used medically in culture mediums to distinguish between various strains of bacteria such as E coli.
Ice cream Industry
In sugar free ice cream, it is usually used to provide sweetness, impart body and texture.
Specifications
| Product Name | Sorbitol TDS |
| Description | A clear colorless to faintly yellow viscous liquid |
| %DS (Dry Solids) | 69.0 – 71.0 |
| D Sorbitol, % | 65 min |
| Refractive Index at 20'C | 1.4550 min |
| pH of 50% solution at 25 o C | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Reducing Sugars, % | 0.2 max |
| Sulphated Ash, % | 0.1max |
Packing
In HDPE / S.s metal Drums Nett.wt. 300 Kg.
Storage
Liquid glucose in drums should be stored in a clean dry area, at room temperature once opened, should be kept in tightly closed container in a ventilated area if use is not for a long time. Protect against physical damage. Isolate from incompatible substance.