D-Iditol, a sugar alcohol, holds relevance to everyday life due to its versatile applications across various industries. It is commonly used as a sugar substitute in food products for individuals seeking a lower-calorie alternative. Additionally, D-Iditol is utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for its role in formulating medications and as a component in certain medical tests. Its properties make it a valuable ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products as well. Overall, D-Iditol plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and functionality of numerous consumer goods, making it a key component of daily life for many individuals.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
D-Iditol, also known as D-sorbitol, is a sugar alcohol that finds various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a sweetening agent in the food industry, particularly in sugar-free and low-calorie products. D-Iditol can also be found in oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, where it helps to prevent cavities and promote oral health.
In the industrial sector, D-Iditol is utilized in the production of resins, plastics, and surfactants. It is also used as a humectant in cosmetics and personal care products to help retain moisture and improve texture. Additionally, D-Iditol plays a role in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used as an excipient in tablet formulations and as a stabilizer in liquid medications.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, D-Iditol is utilized for its properties as a bulking agent, sweetener, and texture enhancer. It is commonly found in sugar-free and diabetic-friendly medications to provide a palatable taste without raising blood sugar levels. D-Iditol is also used in oral solutions, liquid suspensions, and chewable tablets to improve patient compliance and overall product quality.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
D-Iditol, also known as D-sorbitol, is a white crystalline powder with a sweet taste and no distinct odor. It is commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food products due to its sweetening properties.
D-Iditol has a molar mass of 182.17 g/mol and a density of 1.489 g/cm³. Compared to common food items like sugar (sucrose) with a molar mass of 342.3 g/mol and a density of 1.59 g/cm³, D-Iditol is lighter and less dense.
The melting point of D-Iditol is 95-96°C, and the boiling point is approximately 290°C. In comparison, common food items like butter have a melting point of around 32-35°C and a boiling point of approximately 150-200°C.
D-Iditol is highly soluble in water and has a relatively low viscosity. This makes it easily dispersible in liquid foods like beverages and sauces. In contrast, common food items like honey have lower solubility in water and higher viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
D-Iditol is produced through the reduction of D-fructose using a chemical process known as catalytic hydrogenation. This conversion results in the formation of D-Iditol, a polyol sugar alcohol that is commonly used in various industries.
D-Iditol can be procured from chemical manufacturing companies that specialize in the production of sugar alcohols. These companies typically produce D-Iditol in large quantities and sell it to various suppliers and distributors. The compound can be transported in liquid or powder form, depending on the specific requirements of the customer.
For transportation, D-Iditol is often packed in containers or drums to ensure safe and secure delivery. It can be shipped via truck, rail, or sea freight to reach its destination. Special care is taken to protect the product from contamination or deterioration during transit, ensuring its quality upon arrival.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for D-Iditol include its potential for eye and skin irritation. It is important to avoid contact with the substance and use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when handling D-Iditol. In case of accidental exposure, it is recommended to rinse the affected area thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Hazard statements for D-Iditol include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation.” These statements indicate the potential risks associated with exposure to D-Iditol, emphasizing the need for proper precautions when handling the substance. It is important to follow safety guidelines and use protective measures to minimize the risk of harm.
Precautionary statements for D-Iditol include “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.” These statements highlight the importance of wearing appropriate protective gear and taking immediate action in case of exposure to D-Iditol. By following these precautions, the risk of harm can be minimized.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for D-Iditol involves investigating its potential applications in pharmaceuticals. This polyol compound has shown promise in various biological activities, making it a subject of interest for exploring its therapeutic potential. Further studies on the mechanisms of action and efficacy of D-Iditol in different disease models could provide valuable insights for drug development.
Another avenue for research on D-Iditol could focus on its antioxidant properties. As a sugar alcohol, D-Iditol has been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects, which may have implications in protecting cells from oxidative stress-related damage. Investigating the specific pathways and targets through which D-Iditol exerts its antioxidant effects could lead to the development of novel antioxidant therapies.
Moreover, exploring the role of D-Iditol in metabolism could be a fruitful area of research. Given its structural similarity to other sugar alcohols, D-Iditol may have metabolic effects that could influence energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Studying the impact of D-Iditol on metabolic pathways and its potential as a dietary supplement for metabolic disorders could open up new avenues for research in the field of nutrition and metabolism.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to D-Iditol is D-Sorbitol. D-Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that shares a similar molecular structure to D-Iditol, with both compounds containing a six-carbon chain and multiple hydroxyl groups. D-Sorbitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute in food products and has similar properties to D-Iditol in terms of its sweetness and solubility in water.
Another similar compound to D-Iditol is D-Mannitol. D-Mannitol is a sugar alcohol that also contains a six-carbon chain with multiple hydroxyl groups, similar to D-Iditol. D-Mannitol is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as an osmotic diuretic and has similar properties to D-Iditol in terms of its solubility in water and ability to form hydrogen bonds.
One more similar compound to D-Iditol is Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that shares a similar molecular structure to D-Iditol, with both compounds containing a five-carbon chain and multiple hydroxyl groups. Xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute in food products and has similar properties to D-Iditol in terms of its sweetness and dental health benefits.
