Surbitol is a polyhydroxyl sugar alcohol with the chemical formula C6H14O6. This compound has important chemical and physical properties, which are discussed below in some of its applications:
- Sorbitol is a polyhydric alcohol and is widely distributed in nature. The richest source of sorbitol is sumac seeds.
- Sorbitol is commercially available in the form of crystals and syrup, the crystalline form of which is used to make chocolates.
- Sorbitol is a moisture absorbing alcohol and its sweetness is almost half of that of sucrose. This substance is used as a sweetener for foods of people who have diabetes and canned foods, and also as a softener and a substance that absorbs moisture in canners.
- Sorbitol is prepared by electrochemical reduction, but bulk sorbitol is made by catalytic hydrogenation of glucose.
- Ninety-eight percent of sorbitol consumed in the body is digested in food and the remaining twenty-one percent is excreted. This substance is not toxic and in the foods of diabetics, it is composed of glycogen and therefore glucose.
- Sorbitol is also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products such as toothpaste
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