Overview
L-Iditol, commonly referred to as L-sorbitol, is a six-carbon sugar alcohol derived from glucose. It is the left-handed enantiomer of sorbitol and shares many of its physical and chemical properties. This compound is naturally found in some fruits and is industrially produced via hydrogenation of glucose. As a versatile polyol, L-Iditol is valued for its sweetening properties, humectancy, and stability. It is approximately 60% as sweet as sucrose but provides fewer calories, making it a popular sugar substitute in diabetic and reduced-calorie food products. Its non-cariogenic nature also makes it suitable for oral care applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
L-Iditol appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a clean, sweet taste. It has a molecular weight of 182.17 g/mol and a density of 1.49 g/cm³. The compound melts between 92-96°C and is highly soluble in water, forming clear, viscous solutions. Key chemical properties include its hygroscopic nature, which makes it an effective humectant in cosmetic and food applications. It exhibits good thermal stability and does not participate in Maillard browning reactions, unlike reducing sugars. L-Iditol is also resistant to fermentation by most microorganisms, contributing to its preservative qualities in certain applications.
Main Applications
In the food industry, L-Iditol serves as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free candies, chewing gums, and baked goods. It helps retain moisture in products and prevents crystallization in sugar-free chocolates. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes it as an excipient in tablets and syrups, where it acts as a sweetener, bulking agent, and stabilizer. Cosmetic formulations incorporate L-Iditol for its humectant properties in creams, lotions, and toothpaste. It helps maintain product moisture and improves texture. Additionally, it finds use in chemical synthesis as a chiral building block and in the production of vitamin C through fermentation processes.
Safety and Storage
L-Iditol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies when used in appropriate amounts. However, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or laxative effects due to its incomplete absorption in the small intestine. Proper storage requires keeping the material in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry environment below 25°C. It should be protected from moisture absorption, which can lead to caking. Bulk storage in moisture-proof packaging with desiccants is recommended for industrial quantities to maintain product quality over time.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing L-Iditol for industrial applications, buyers should specify the required grade (food, pharmaceutical, or technical) and purity level. Pharmaceutical-grade material typically requires USP or EP certification, while food-grade should meet FCC standards. Reliable suppliers should provide certificates of analysis (CoA) for each batch, including parameters like assay, moisture content, and heavy metal limits. Bulk purchasing (tonnage quantities) often offers significant cost advantages, with prices typically ranging between $2-$5 per kg depending on purity and order volume. Consider suppliers with ISO certification and proven track records in your specific industry application.
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