CAS 50-70-4 Sorbitol - Analytical Products / Alfa Chemistry

CAT	APS50704
CAS	50-70-4
Structure
MDL Number	MFCD00004708
Synonyms	d-Glucitol,Sorbitol, d-sorbitol
IUPAC Name	(2R,3R,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol
Molecular Weight	182.17
Molecular Formula	C6H14O6
Canonical SMILES	OC[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)CO
InChI	InChI=1S/C6H14O6/c7-1-3(9)5(11)6(12)4(10)2-8/h3-12H,1-2H2/t3-,4+,5-,6-/m1/s1
InChI Key	FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N
REAXYS Number	1721899

Description	United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Accurate Mass	182.079
Form	neat
Format	Neat
MP	98-100 °C (lit.)
Size	125MG
Vapor Density	<1 (vs air)
Vapor Pressure	<0.1 mmHg ( 25 °C)

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CAT	Size	Shipping	Storage Conditions	Description	Price
APS50704-1250MG	1250MG	Room Temperature	2-8°C Fridge/Coldroom	Subcategory: European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.); API Family: Matrix - API Family See respective official monograph(s); Product Type: API	Inquiry
APS50704-10MG	10MG	Room Temperature	+5°C	Subcategory: Additional phytochemical reference materials, LoGiCal	Inquiry
APS50704-250MG	250MG	Room Temperature	+5°C	API Family: Matrix - API Family Mannitol; Lactitol Monohydrate; Erythritol; Sorbitol; Product Type: API/ Impurity; Subcategory: API standards, Respiratory drugs, Mikromol, Impurity standards	Inquiry

Case Study

Sorbitol Used for the Catalytic Dehydration Reaction to Produce Isosorbide

Yuan, Danping, et al. Chemical Engineering Journal 460 (2023): 141780.

Sorbitol, a widely available biomass-derived polyol, serves as a pivotal platform molecule for the sustainable synthesis of isosorbide, a high-value diol used in bio-based polymers and pharmaceuticals. In this study, sorbitol undergoes catalytic dehydration using a novel series of ionic liquid functionalized polymer catalysts, denoted as P-[C3/4R]-SF, under mild conditions.
These solid acid catalysts were synthesized via hydrothermal polymerization and exhibited desirable physicochemical properties, including high surface area, robust acidity, and thermal stability. Comprehensive characterization-via N₂ sorption-desorption isotherms, elemental analysis, FT-IR, TGA, water adsorption, and ³¹P NMR-confirmed the presence of functionalized ionic liquid moieties essential for catalytic activity.
In a typical reaction, 25 g of sorbitol was reacted with 0.5 g of catalyst at 140 °C for 6 hours under 0.3 bar and 1200 rpm stirring. The system efficiently directed the dehydration of sorbitol toward isosorbide formation while minimizing side reactions such as degradation and polymerization. A remarkable 75% isosorbide yield was achieved, with the catalyst retaining high activity over five cycles, indicating excellent reusability.
This case highlights sorbitol's key role in the production of renewable chemicals and underscores the potential of functionalized polymeric solid acid catalysts in biomass valorization processes, particularly for upgrading sorbitol into value-added cyclic compounds like isosorbide.

Sorbitol Used for the Preparation of Biopolymer Composite Films for Fruit Preservation Applications

Zheng, Qiaobin, et al. Industrial Crops and Products 218 (2024): 119013.

Sorbitol plays a critical role in the formulation of multifunctional green composite films aimed at enhancing fresh fruit preservation. In this study, sorbitol was employed as a plasticizer in a ternary biopolymer system comprising carboxymethyl hemicellulose and gallic acid, fabricated via a solution casting method.
The preparation involved the dispersion of 0.35 g carboxymethyl hemicellulose (with varying degrees of substitution) in deionized water at 50 °C, followed by sequential incorporation of 0.7 mL gallic acid solution and 0.2 g sorbitol. The mixture was stirred thoroughly, ultrasonically degassed, and cast into molds before being dried at 40 °C for 48 hours.
Sorbitol facilitated intermolecular hydrogen bonding, improving the flexibility and processability of the resulting biopolymer film. Its presence significantly contributed to the uniform film formation by mitigating brittleness and enhancing molecular interactions within the matrix. The composite film, integrating antioxidant gallic acid and hydrophilic carboxymethyl hemicellulose, exhibited functional properties ideal for food preservation-such as controlled gas permeability, moisture retention, and potential antimicrobial activity.
This case study demonstrates sorbitol's valuable function in the sustainable development of bio-based packaging materials. Its role as a compatible and eco-friendly plasticizer makes it indispensable in designing biodegradable films with practical relevance in post-harvest fruit storage and food safety applications.

Sorbitol Used for the Preparation of Cu@C/SiO₂ Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Oxalate

Tian, Huiyu, et al. Surfaces and Interfaces 56 (2025): 105494.

Sorbitol plays a vital role as a structure-directing and surface-modifying agent in the synthesis of Cu@C/SiO₂ catalysts used for the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) to methyl glycolate (MG). In this study, a sorbitol-modified ammonia evaporation method was employed to fabricate an efficient, carbon-coated copper catalyst supported on silica.
The synthesis involves dissolving sorbitol and copper nitrate trihydrate in deionized water, followed by pH adjustment to 12-13 using ammonia. Colloidal silica is then introduced, and the mixture is stirred and subjected to controlled ammonia evaporation at 90 °C until neutral pH is achieved. The product is filtered, washed, dried at 120 °C, and finally calcined under N₂ at 350 °C to yield the Cu@C/SiO₂-x catalyst, where *x* denotes the molar ratio of hydroxyl groups in sorbitol to Cu²⁺.
Sorbitol contributes to the formation of a carbon layer around copper nanoparticles upon calcination, promoting better metal dispersion and enhancing catalyst stability. Remarkably, the catalyst does not require a pre-reduction step prior to use, simplifying the process. The resulting Cu@C/SiO₂ catalyst exhibits excellent selectivity and activity for DMO hydrogenation, highlighting sorbitol's critical function in engineering high-performance, carbon-modified metal catalysts for fine chemical production.
This case underscores sorbitol's versatile role in catalyst design, especially in shaping metal-support interactions and improving catalytic durability.