Xylitol

• BPXylitol
• JPXylitol
• Ph. Eur.Xylitol
• USP–NFXylitol

xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol; xylitolum; Xylisorb; Xylitab; E967

xylo-Pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol · [87-99-0]

UNII VCQ006KQ1E · PubChem CID 6912

C5H12O5 · 152.15

Sweetening agent, Diluent (filler)

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Solid, Liquid

A non-cariogenic bulk sweetener about as sweet as sucrose, used in chewable tablets, lozenges, medicated chewing gums, syrups and other oral liquids, and in oral-care products. Its strongly negative heat of solution gives a pronounced cooling sensation in the mouth, which suits mint flavours. Directly compressible (granulated) grades are used as fillers in tablets, often making up most of the tablet weight; in syrups it can replace sucrose partly or completely.

A white, odourless, crystalline powder or granules with a sweet taste and a cooling effect in the mouth.

Melting point

92–96 °C

Solubility

very soluble in water (about 1 in 1.6); sparingly soluble in ethanol

Relative sweetness

about equal to that of sucrose

Heat of solution

strongly endothermic (about −150 J/g), producing a cooling effect

Stable to heat; it does not caramelise at normal processing temperatures and, having no reducing group, does not take part in Maillard reactions. It is hygroscopic only at high relative humidity. Store in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents.

Produced by catalytic hydrogenation of xylose, which is obtained by acid hydrolysis of xylan-rich hemicellulose from sources such as birch wood or corn cobs; the product is purified and crystallised. Fermentation-based routes are also used.

Slowly and incompletely absorbed, and metabolised largely independently of insulin, so it causes only a small rise in blood glucose and is suitable for diabetic patients in moderate amounts. Large oral doses cause osmotic diarrhoea and flatulence; products containing polyols above set levels must carry a warning about laxative effects. It does not promote dental caries. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Avoid generating dust; eye protection is recommended.

Permitted in the USA as a food additive for special dietary use. Accepted in Europe as a food additive (E967). JECFA has allocated an ADI 'not specified'. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (oral preparations) and in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe.

Erythritol; isomalt; maltitol; mannitol; sorbitol.

Unlike many polyols, xylitol has sweetness close to sucrose, so it can be used without an intense sweetener. Because of its low melting point it is also suitable for melt-based processes, but tablets made with it can be sensitive to heat and humidity during storage.