Properties of sorbitol and various uses of sorbitol

Sorbitol alias sorbitol, English name Sorbitol, D-Glucitol, Sorbol, D-Sorbitol. The molecular formula is C6H14O6, which is the main photosynthesis product of Rosaceae plants. It is a 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. Easily soluble in water (1g dissolved in about 0.45mL water), slightly soluble in ethanol and acetic acid. It has a cool and sweet taste, the sweetness is about half of that of sucrose, and the calorific value is similar to that of sucrose. Use as a sweetener will not cause dental caries. In the food industry, sorbitol solution is mostly 69-71%. Toxicity tests have shown that excessive oral administration can cause diarrhea and digestive disturbances.

The molecular formula of sorbitol is C6H14O6. Sorbitol solution is an aqueous solution containing 67% to 73% D-sorbitol.

Sorbitol, properties: D-sorbitol is a colorless needle-like crystal, or white crystal powder, odorless, cool and sweet, easily soluble in water, difficult to dissolve in organic solvents, it has good acid resistance and heat resistance, and is not easy to Maillard reaction with amino acids, proteins, etc. D-sorbitol solution is a colorless, transparent and thick liquid. According to different crystallization conditions, the melting point varies in the range of 88-102 ° C, and the relative density is about 1.49. Sorbitol solution is a clear and colorless syrupy liquid with a sweet taste and neutral to litmus. It can be miscible with water, glycerin and propylene glycol.

1. It can be used as a raw material for the production of vitamin C. Sorbitol can be fermented and chemically synthesized to obtain vitamin C. 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 and is used in the production of toothpaste, cigarettes and cosmetics. Using sorbitol and propylene oxide as raw materials, polyurethane rigid foam with certain flame retardant properties can be produced. In the food industry, it can be used as a sweetener, humectant, chelating agent and tissue improver. In the pharmaceutical industry, sorbitol ester produced by nitrification of sorbitol is a drug for the treatment of coronary heart disease. Food additives, cosmetic raw materials, organic synthetic raw materials, moisturizers, solvents, etc.

2. Nutritional sweeteners, wetting agents, chelating agents and stabilizers. It is a special sweetener with moisturizing function. It is not converted into glucose in the human body and is not controlled by insulin. It is suitable for diabetics. It can be used in pastries with a maximum usage of 5.0g/kg; it can be used in surimi and its products with a maximum usage of 0.5g/kg. It can also be used as a defoamer for sugar making process, brewing process and soy product process, and can be used in moderation according to production needs. It can also be used for moisturizing raisins, thickening and flavoring of alcohol and cool beverages, as well as candy and chewing gum.

3. Synthetic resins and plastics, separation and analysis of low boiling point oxygen-containing compounds, etc. Also used as gas chromatography fixative, thickener, hardener, insecticide, etc.

4. Used as gas chromatographic fixative for the separation and analysis of low-boiling oxygenates, amine compounds, nitrogen or oxygen heterocyclic compounds. Also used in organic synthesis.

5. Used as a humidifier for toothpaste, cosmetics, and tobacco. It is a substitute for glycerin, which has a milder moisturizing property and better taste than glycerin. It can be used in combination with other humidifiers to obtain a synergistic effect. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material for the manufacture of vitamin C.

6. Diuretic dehydrating agent. Used for the treatment of cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, the treatment of increased intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and also for edema and oliguria with normal cardiac and renal function.

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

Food industry

Sorbitol has a cool and sweet taste. Its sweetness is equivalent to 60% sucrose. It has the same calorie value as sugars, and its metabolism is slower than that of sugars. Most of it is converted into fructose in the liver and will not cause diabetes. In ice cream, chocolate, and chewing gum, using sorbitol instead of sugar can have a weight loss effect. It can be used as a raw material for the production of vitamin C. Sorbitol can be prepared by fermentation and chemical synthesis. My country's toothpaste industry has begun to use sorbitol instead of glycerin, and the addition amount is 5% to 8% (the addition amount abroad is 16%). In the production of baked goods, sorbitol has the effect of moisturizing and keeping fresh, thereby prolonging the shelf life of food. In addition, sorbitol can also be used as a starch stabilizer and a moisturizing regulator, flavoring agent, antioxidant and preservative for fruits. It is also commonly used as sugar-free chewing gum, alcohol flavoring agent and food sweetener for diabetic patients. In my country, the amount of sorbitol added to food and beverages is generally 1.5% to 2% (the amount added abroad is 8%), which is also a large market for sorbitol consumption in my country.

Cosmetic industry

Sorbitol is mainly used as a softener, humidity regulator and lubricant in the cosmetic industry, and is widely used in the formulation of toothpaste, emulsion, mouthwash, perfume, deodorant paste, etc. Since the antibacterial effect of sorbitol is better than that of glycerin, the addition of a concentrated sorbitol solution to ointments or moisturizers can improve the performance.

Textile industry

The chelation of sorbitol with iron and copper ions is often used in strongly alkaline fabric rinsing solutions; in the solution formulation to improve the washing and wear resistance of cotton fibers, sorbitol can be used as a scavenger for unreacted formaldehyde and a toughening agent after decontamination. Sorbitol anhydride monooleate is often used in combination with anionic surfactants as a dry cleaning agent. The condensation product of sorbitol and epichloropropane can be used as a fabric softener after reacting with triethylenetriaminohydrazine stearate.

Surfactant

Sorbitol anhydride fatty acid esters synthesized from sorbitol dehydration and fatty acids are collectively referred to as Span surfactants, and their poly (oxyethylene) derivatives are collectively referred to as Tween surfactants. Span and Tween are called third-generation surfactants and are usually used together, often as emulsifiers, with minimal irritation to the skin. Sorbitol anhydride blended in paints can also improve the dispersibility of water-based paints. Sorbitol anhydride monooleate can be used as a corrosion inhibitor. Polyoxyethylene sorbitol anhydride monopalmitate and monostearate are sprayed on the surface of glassware to reduce the likelihood of cracking.

Polymer Industry

Sorbitol can be used as a polyol composition of alkyd resins and rosin esters. The polyoxypropylene-based derivatives of sorbitol are widely used in the manufacture of polyurethane rigid foams. When sorbitol replaces glycerin and pentaerythritol, fast-drying film-forming alkyl resins can be obtained, which have good gloss adhesion and strength. The complex of sorbitol with various metal salts is a heat-resistant and light-resistant stabilizer for polyvinyl chloride resins. Adding sorbitol to collagen films can greatly increase its CO2-resistant permeability. Sorbitol fatty acid esters can be used as plasticizers, lubricants and anti-fog agents for vinyl resins and other polymers. The monolaurate of sorbitan anhydride is used as a molding agent in the suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride to control the size, specific surface and porosity of plastic particles.

Other uses

Sorbitol is used as a softener, metal surface treatment agent, humidity regulator and adhesive in leather, papermaking, tobacco and metallurgy industries. It can also be used as a formulation component of freezer or developer solution. The combination of sorbitol and glycerin in soft viscose or cork binder can improve the mechanical strength and temperature and moisture resistance of products. As an alkaline etching solution composition, sorbitol helps prevent the formation of hard shells on the surface of aluminum and aluminum alloys. Adding sorbitol to the ink can prevent the precipitation of ink on the nib and keep the writing fluency of the nib.