Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, humectant, and in the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Food Industry: Used as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free and diet foods and beverages.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Applied as a laxative and as a vehicle for liquid medications.
- Cosmetics: Used as a humectant in skincare and haircare products.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Used in the production of plastics, resins, and other chemical intermediates.
Physical and Chemical Properties:
| Properties |
Data |
| Appearance |
White, crystalline or viscous liquid |
| Odor |
Odorless |
| Molecular Formula |
C6H14O6 |
| Molecular Weight |
182.17 g/mol |
| Melting Point |
94–98 °C (when crystalline) |
| Density |
1.45 g/cm³ (solid), 1.26 g/cm³ (liquid) |
| Solubility |
Soluble in water |
| Flash Point |
Not applicable |
| Chemical Stability |
Stable under normal conditions, but can degrade under extreme heat |