Sugar Alcohol

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A Sugar Alcohol is an organic compound containing one hydroxyl group (−OH) attached to each carbon atom.

  • Context:
    • It can (typically) occur naturally in fruits and vegetables but can also be produced industrially by hydrogenating sugars.
    • It can (often) be less sweet than sucrose but more soluble in water than corresponding aldehydes or ketones.
    • It can (often) exhibit a cooling effect in the mouth when dissolved, a characteristic feature in some sugar alcohols like xylitol.
    • It can be derived from sugars, where a sugar molecule's aldehyde or ketone functional group (C=O) is reduced to a hydroxyl group (−OH).
    • It can have a lower caloric value than sugars, making them popular in low-calorie and sugar-free products.
    • It can have a laxative effect or cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to their incomplete absorption in the intestine.
    • ...
  • Example(s):
    • Sorbitol is found in apples, pears, peaches, and prunes.
    • Xylitol is found in fibrous fruits and vegetables, birch wood, and corn cobs.
    • Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found in pears, soy sauce, and wine.
    • Mannitol is used in chewing gums, candies, and as a medication to reduce intracranial pressure.
    • ...
  • Counter-Example(s):
    • Sucrose, a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose.
    • Fructose, a simple sugar found in honey, tree and vine fruits, flowers, berries, and most root vegetables.
    • Glucose, a simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and a component of many carbohydrates.
  • See: Sorbitol, Organic Compound, Derivative (Chemistry), Sugar, Hydroxyl, Hydrogenation, Polyol, Sucrose, Artificial Sweetener, Xylitol.


References

2024