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L-(-)-Arabitol

Updated: 2026-09-12

Overview

L-(-)-Arabitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol naturally found in small quantities in fruits and vegetables. Unlike common sugars, it is poorly metabolized by humans, providing only about 0.2 calories per gram. This makes it valuable for low-calorie and diabetic-friendly food formulations. The compound is produced industrially through hydrogenation of L-arabinose or via microbial fermentation. Its excellent stability under heat and acidic conditions allows for versatile applications across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Physical and Chemical Properties

L-(-)-Arabitol crystallizes as a white, odorless powder with a clean sweet taste (about 70% as sweet as sucrose). It exhibits high hygroscopicity, making it useful as a humectant in moisture-sensitive products. The compound has good thermal stability, with decomposition beginning above 160°C. Chemically, it behaves as a typical polyol, participating in esterification reactions and forming complexes with metal ions. Its solubility profile (freely soluble in water, limited solubility in organic solvents) dictates its formulation compatibility in various applications.

Main Applications

In the food industry, L-(-)-Arabitol serves as a sugar substitute in sugar-free candies, chewing gums, and baked goods. Its non-cariogenic properties make it ideal for oral care products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Pharmaceutical applications include use as an excipient in tablet formulations and syrups. The cosmetic industry utilizes it as a moisturizing agent in skin creams and lotions. Emerging applications include its use as a starting material for chemical synthesis and as a component in diagnostic media for microbiology testing.

Safety and Storage

Classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA, L-(-)-Arabitol has low toxicity with an LD50 >16g/kg in rats. Excessive consumption may cause mild laxative effects, typical of sugar alcohols. Proper handling requires standard personal protective equipment to prevent dust inhalation. Storage recommendations include keeping containers tightly sealed in cool (15-25°C), dry conditions. Bulk material should be protected from moisture absorption to prevent caking. Shelf life typically exceeds 24 months when stored properly in original packaging.

B2B Procurement Guide

Industrial buyers should specify required purity grades (food, pharmaceutical, technical), with typical commercial grades ranging from 98-99.5%. Packaging options include 25kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liners or 500kg bulk containers. Key supplier qualifications should include GMP compliance and relevant food/pharma certifications. Quality verification should include testing for residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. For international shipments, ensure proper HS code classification (2905.49.00 in many jurisdictions) and compliance with regional food additive regulations. Sample testing is recommended before large purchases.

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