S

Sorbitol

IUPAC: (2R,3R,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol

C6H14O6 Organic Compounds CAS 50-70-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC6H14O6
CAS Number50-70-4
Molecular Weight182.17
Melting Point230 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointVery high (USCG, 1999)
Density1.49 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility2750000 mg/L (at 30 °C)
AppearanceSorbitol is an odorless colorless solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known As(2R,3R,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol; D-Sorbitol; D-Glucitol; 50-70-4; glucitol; Glucarine; (-)-Sorbitol; Nivitin; D-(-)-Sorbitol; Diakarmon
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Sorbitol?

D-glucitol is the D-enantiomer of glucitol (also known as D-sorbitol). It has a role as a metabolite, a laxative, a sweetening agent, a cathartic, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and a food humectant. It is an enantiomer of a L-glucitol.

Formula & Notation

C6H14O6

IUPAC Name: (2R,3R,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol

Other Names / Synonyms: (2R,3R,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol; D-Sorbitol; D-Glucitol; 50-70-4; glucitol; Glucarine; (-)-Sorbitol; Nivitin; D-(-)-Sorbitol; Diakarmon

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sorbitol is an odorless colorless solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: C6H14O6. Molecular weight: 182.17 g/mol. Boiling point: Very high (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 230 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 1.49 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 2750000 mg/L (at 30 °C). LogP: -3.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point230 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointVery high (USCG, 1999)
Density1.49 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight182.17
Solubility2750000 mg/L (at 30 °C)
AppearanceSorbitol is an odorless colorless solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Sorbitol
Formula C6H14O6
CAS Number 50-70-4
Molecular Weight 182.17
Synonyms (2R,3R,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol; D-Sorbitol; D-Glucitol; 50-70-4; glucitol; Glucarine; (-)-Sorbitol; Nivitin; D-(-)-Sorbitol; Diakarmon

Frequently Asked Questions

D-glucitol is the D-enantiomer of glucitol (also known as D-sorbitol). It has a role as a metabolite, a laxative, a sweetening agent, a cathartic, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and a food humectant. It is an enantiomer of a L-glucitol.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.