Sorbitol is a white hygroscopic powder or crystalline powder, flakes or granules, odorless. Depending on the crystallization conditions, the melting point changes in the range of 88 to 102°C, and the relative density is about 1.49. Easily soluble in water (1g dissolves in about 0.45mL water), slightly soluble in ethanol and acetic acid. It has a refreshing sweetness, the sweetness is about half that of sucrose, and its caloric value is similar to that of sucrose. Sorbitol liquid is a clear, colorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste, neutral to litmus, and miscible with water, glycerin and propylene glycol.
The applications of sorbitol in therapeutic medicine include the following:
Sorbitol anhydrous produced through nitrification of sorbitol is a drug for the treatment of coronary heart disease.
Sorbitol is a raw material that can be used to produce vitamin C. Vitamin C can be produced through fermentation and chemical synthesis.
Sorbitol can be used as a sweetener and nutrient in food for patients with diabetes, liver disease, cholecystitis, and obesity.
Sorbitol can be used as a diuretic and dehydrating agent, used to treat cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, treat increased intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and is also used in the heart and kidneys Edema and oliguria with normal function