Xylitol
Xylitol crystals | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈzaɪlɪtɒl/ |
| IUPAC name
meso-Xylitol | |
| Systematic IUPAC name
(2R,3r,4S)-Pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol | |
Other names
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| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.001.626 |
| E number | E967 (glazing agents, ...) |
| KEGG | |
PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| C5H12O5 | |
| Molar mass | 152.146 g·mol−1 |
| Density | 1.52 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 92 to 96 °C (198 to 205 °F; 365 to 369 K) |
| Boiling point | 345.39 °C (653.70 °F; 618.54 K) predicted value using Adapted Stein & Brown method |
| 168 g/100 g | |
| Hazards | |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
| Related compounds | |
Related alkanes |
Pentane |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references | |
Xylitol is a chemical compound with the formula C
5H
12O
5, or HO(CH2)(CHOH)3(CH2)OH; specifically, one particular stereoisomer with that structural formula. It is a colorless or white crystalline solid. It is classified as a polyalcohol and a sugar alcohol, specifically an alditol. Of the common sugar alcohols, only sorbitol is more soluble in water.
The name derives from Ancient Greek: ξύλον, xyl[on] 'wood', with the suffix -itol used to denote it being a sugar alcohol.
Xylitol is used as a food additive and sugar substitute. Its European Union code number is E967. Replacing sugar with xylitol in food products may promote better dental health, but evidence is lacking on whether xylitol itself prevents dental cavities. In the United States, xylitol is used as a common sugar substitute, and is considered to be safe for humans.