Difference between revisions of "Xylitol"
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| − | '''Xylitol''' is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. | + | '''Xylitol''' is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. It has the chemical formula C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O<sub>5</sub>. |
==Properties== | ==Properties== | ||
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==Preparation== | ==Preparation== | ||
Xylitol can be extracted from various fruits, though this process is intensive and is much cheaper to just buy it from stores. | Xylitol can be extracted from various fruits, though this process is intensive and is much cheaper to just buy it from stores. | ||
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| + | It can also be prepared through the hydrolysis of xylan, a polysaccharide found in wood. This gives xylose, which can be reduced to xylitol. | ||
==Projects== | ==Projects== | ||
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<references/> | <references/> | ||
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads=== | ===Relevant Sciencemadness threads=== | ||
| + | *[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=8359 xylitol manufacture techniques] | ||
[[Category:Chemical compounds]] | [[Category:Chemical compounds]] | ||
Revision as of 15:55, 12 December 2015
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. It has the chemical formula C5H12O5.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Xylitol will react with nitric acid to yield xylitol nitrates.
Physical
Xylitol is a white crystalline solid, with a sweet taste similar to that of sugar, though it has a slight fruity flavor. It is soluble in water (200 g/100 ml at 25 °C)[1], methanol (6 g/100ml), ethanol (1.2 g/100ml) and pyridene. It is insoluble in ether.[2] Its melting point is between 92 to 96 °C, and the boiling point has been determined to be 345.39 °C. Xylitol has a density of 1.52 g/cm3
Availability
Xylitol is available in most hypermarkets and health food stores, usually as 99-99.9% pure. The price depends on the brand.
Preparation
Xylitol can be extracted from various fruits, though this process is intensive and is much cheaper to just buy it from stores.
It can also be prepared through the hydrolysis of xylan, a polysaccharide found in wood. This gives xylose, which can be reduced to xylitol.
Projects
- Sugar substitute
- Make xylitol pentanitrate
Handling
Safety
Xylitol has no known toxicity or carcinogenicity, and is considered safe by the FDA. It has an extremely low glycemic index of 7 (glucose GI is 100) and has been shown to be useful in reducing tooth cavities. Xylitol does however have laxative effects, though it's possible to build up resistance after several weeks of consuming it.
Storage
In closed containers.
Disposal
Xylitol does not pose any danger to the environment and can be poured down the drain or dumped in the soil or trash.
References
- ↑ Bakery Products: Science and Technology, Y. H. Hui, 2006, pag. 32
- ↑ http://www.scbt.com/datasheet-280193-xylitol.html
