D-Fructose-1

Updated: 2026-07-23

Overview

D-Fructose-1, commonly known as fructose or fruit sugar, is a simple ketonic monosaccharide found in many plants. It is one of the three dietary monosaccharides along with glucose and galactose. In its pure form, it appears as a white crystalline powder with a sweet taste, approximately 1.7 times sweeter than sucrose. Fructose occurs naturally in fruits, honey, and some root vegetables. Industrially, it is produced from corn syrup through enzymatic processes. Its chemical structure differs from glucose in having a ketone functional group instead of an aldehyde, which gives it distinct chemical properties.

Physical and Chemical Properties

D-Fructose-1 has a molecular weight of 180.16 g/mol and typically forms orthorhombic crystals. It is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which must be considered during storage and handling. The compound shows mutarotation in solution, equilibrating between different cyclic forms. As a reducing sugar, fructose participates in Maillard reactions with amino acids, contributing to food browning during cooking. It has excellent water solubility (3750 g/L at 20°C) but dissolves poorly in non-polar solvents. The sweetness perception of fructose is temperature-dependent, becoming more pronounced when cold.

Main Applications

Fructose's primary industrial use is as a sweetener in food and beverage products, particularly in 'diet' or 'low-glycemic' formulations. It's commonly used in soft drinks, baked goods, dairy products, and confectionery. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes fructose as an excipient in tablets and syrups due to its sweetening properties and rapid absorption. In biochemistry, fructose serves as a substrate for various enzymatic studies and fermentation processes. Recent research explores its potential in biofuel production and as a building block for green chemistry applications. The compound's ability to form complexes with metal ions finds use in some industrial applications.

Safety and Storage

While fructose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies, occupational exposure to fructose dust should be minimized as it may cause respiratory irritation. Proper storage requires airtight containers in cool (below 25°C), dry conditions to prevent moisture absorption and caking. Bulk storage areas should maintain relative humidity below 65%. When handling large quantities, use appropriate personal protective equipment including dust masks and eye protection. Spills should be cleaned promptly to prevent slip hazards due to the compound's hygroscopic nature.

B2B Procurement Guide

When sourcing D-Fructose-1 for industrial use, buyers should specify the required purity grade - food, pharmaceutical, or technical. Food-grade fructose typically meets USP or FCC specifications. Key procurement considerations include packaging options (25kg bags, big bags, or bulk), lead times, and supplier certifications like ISO or HACCP. For pharmaceutical applications, validate the supplier's compliance with relevant pharmacopeias. Pricing varies based on order volume, with discounts typically available for container-load quantities. Consider testing incoming shipments for moisture content and purity, especially when switching suppliers.