Galactitol

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Galactitol
Names
IUPAC name
(2R,3S,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol
Other names
D-Galactitol
Dulcitol
Euonymit
Melampyrin
Properties
C6H14O6
Molar mass 182.172 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline solid
Odor Odorless
Density 1.466 g/cm3 (15 °C)[1]
Melting point 275–280 °C (527–536 °F; 548–553 K)
Boiling point 230–347 °C (446–657 °F; 503–620 K) Decomposes[2]
Soluble
Solubility Insoluble in hydrocarbons
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Acidity (pKa) 13.14
Thermochemistry
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich
Related compounds
Related compounds
Iditol
Mannitol
Sorbitol
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Galactitol also known as dulcitol is a sugar alcohol, the reduction product of galactose, having the formula C6H14O6.

It is commonly encountered as the d isomer, D-galactitol.

Properties

Chemical

Galactitol can be nitrated using a nitrating mixture to galactitol hexanitrate.

Physical

Galactitol is a colorless crystalline solid, soluble in water, but insoluble in halocarbons and hydrocarbons.

Availability

It is sometimes available as sweetener, though not as common as other sugar alcohols.

Can be bought from chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Can be produced via reduction of galactose.

Galactitol is best bought than made.

Projects

  • Sweetener
  • Galactitol hexanitrate
  • Filler for medical capsules

Handling

Safety

Galactitol has low toxicity, though it's not commonly used as sweetener as it's more expensive than other sugar alcohols.

Galactitol is accumulates in galactokinase deficiency.

Storage

No special storage is required, a plastic or glass bottle will suffice.

Disposal

No special disposal is required. Discard it as you wish.

References

  1. http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductMSDSDetailCB5174210_EN.htm
  2. Popa-Luchian et al.; Journal of Thermal Analysis; vol. 1; (1969); p. 211,219

Relevant Sciencemadness threads