What Are the Main Uses of Sorbitol?

Sorbitol has a molecular formula of C6H14O6 and is the main photosynthetic product of Rosaceae plants. It is white hygroscopic powder or crystalline powder, flake or granule, odorless. Depending on the crystallization conditions, the melting point varies from 88 to 102°C, and the relative density is about 1.49. Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol and acetic acid. It has a refreshing sweet taste, the sweetness is about half of that of sucrose, and its calorific value is similar to that of sucrose. It will not cause dental caries when used as a sweetener. In the food industry, it is mostly sorbitol liquid with a content of 69%~71%. Toxicity tests have shown that excessive oral administration can cause diarrhea and digestive disorders.

1. Chemical properties of sorbitol

Sorbitol is a 50% or 70% sorbitol aqueous solution, which is a viscous transparent liquid, optically active, slightly sweet, hygroscopic, capable of dissolving various metals, and unstable at high temperatures. It can participate in reactions such as anhydride, esterification, etherification, oxidation, reduction and isomerization, and can form complexes with various metals.

2. Characteristics of sorbitol food

Sorbitol provided by sorbitol factory can be produced by reducing glucose, and is widely distributed in pears, peaches, and apples, with a content of about 1% to 2%. Its sweetness is comparable to that of glucose, but it can give people a sense of richness. It is slowly absorbed and utilized in the body, and the blood sugar level does not increase. It is also a good humectant and surfactant. It is one of the first sugar alcohols allowed to be used as a food additive in Japan, used to improve the moisture retention of food, or as a thickener. Can be used as a sweetener, as is commonly used in the manufacture of sugar-free chewing gum. It is also used as a moisturizer and excipient for cosmetics and toothpaste, and as a glycerin substitute.

3. Main uses of sorbitol

(1) It can be used as a raw material for the production of vitamin C. Vitamin C can be obtained from sorbitol through fermentation and chemical synthesis. It can also be used as a raw material for industrial surfactants to produce Span and Tween surfactants. Sorbitol has moisturizing properties and can replace glycerin in the production of toothpaste, cigarettes and cosmetics. Using sorbitol and propylene oxide as raw materials, polyurethane rigid foams with certain flame-retardant properties can be produced. In the food industry, it can be used as a sweetener, humectant, chelating agent and tissue modifier. In the pharmaceutical industry, sorbitan esters produced by nitration of sorbitol are drugs for the treatment of coronary heart disease. Food additives, cosmetic raw materials, organic synthesis raw materials, moisturizers, solvents, etc.

(2) Nutritive sweeteners, humectants, chelating agents and stabilizers. Sorbitol Supplement is a special sweetener with moisturizing properties. It is not converted into glucose in the human body and is not controlled by insulin, so it is suitable for diabetics. It can be used in cakes, the maximum usage amount is 5.0g/kg; the maximum usage amount in surimi and its products is 0.5g/kg. It can also be used as a defoamer, used in the sugar-making process, brewing process and bean product process, and used in an appropriate amount according to production needs. It can also be used for moisturizing raisins, thickening and flavouring wine and soft drinks, as well as candy and chewing gum.

(3) Synthetic resins and plastics, separation and analysis of low-boiling point oxygen-containing compounds, etc. It is also used as gas chromatography stationary liquid, thickener, hardener, insecticide, etc.

(4) Used as a gas chromatography stationary liquid for the separation and analysis of low-boiling oxygen-containing compounds, amine compounds, nitrogen or oxygen heterocyclic compounds. Also used in organic synthesis.

(5) Used as a humidity conditioner for toothpaste, cosmetics, and tobacco. It is a substitute of glycerin, its moisture retention is milder than that of glycerin, and its taste is better. Can be used in combination with other moisturizers for synergistic results. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material for the manufacture of vitamin C.

(6) Diuretic dehydrating agent. It is used for the treatment of cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, the treatment of increased intraocular pressure for glaucoma, and also for edema and oliguria with normal heart and kidney function.

(7) Aquatic water retaining agent. The ratio of 2.1% sucrose + 3.15% sorbitol + 1.00% compound phosphate can effectively reduce the water activity of dried fish fillets and increase the activity.