Xylitol
EC / List no.: 201-788-0
CAS no.: 87-99-0
Mol. formula: C5H12O5
Xylitol is a chemical compound with the formula C5H12O5, or HO(CH2)(CHOH)3(CH2)OH; specifically, one particular stereoisomer with that structural formula.
Xylitol is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables.
Xylitol-rich plant materials include birch and beechwood.
Xylitol is a colorless or white crystalline solid freely soluble in water.
Xylitol can be classified as a polyalcohol and a sugar alcohol, specifically an alditol.
The name derives from Ancient Greek: ξύλον, xyl[on] ‘wood,’ with the suffix -itol used to denote sugar alcohols.
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.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as a sweetener.
Xylitol can be found naturally or artificially prepared mainly from plant materials chemically or by fermentation of hemicelluloses from agricultural biomass by yeast or bacteria strains.
However, it can produce some side effects, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, nephrolithiasis, etc., when consumed in excessive amounts.
Different vehicles deliver xylitol to the human body, but chewing gums occupy a leading position.
• Xylitol efficiently stimulates the immune system, digestion, lipid, and bone metabolism.
• Xylitol helps control glycemic and obesity and reduces ear and respiratory infections.
• Xylitol treats diseases that cannot be cured through antibiotics or surgery.
Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in “sugar-free” food products.
Xylitol is a non-fermentable sugar alcohol added to chewing gum and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth.
Xylitol is a non-fermentable sugar alcohol by most plaque bacteria, indicating that it cannot be fermented into cariogenic acid end-products.
Xylitol works by inhibiting the growth of the plaque and saliva microorganisms after accumulating intracellularly into the microorganism.
The recommended dose of xylitol for dental caries prevention is 6–10 g/day, and most adults can tolerate 40 g/day without adverse events.
IUPAC name: meso-Xylitol
Systematic IUPAC name: (2R,3R,4S)-Pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol
Other names
(2R,3R,4S)-Pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentaol
(2R,3R,4S)-1,2,3,4,5-Pentahydroxypentane
Xylite
Identifiers
CAS Number: 87-99-0