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![]() Xylitol crystals
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Names | |
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Pronunciation | /ˈzaɪlɪtɒl/ |
IUPAC name
meso-Xylitol
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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[2] |
168 g/100 g[3] | |
Hazards | |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Related compounds | |
Related alkanes
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Pentane |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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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.[4] Replacing sugar with xylitol in food products may promote better dental health, but evidence is lacking on whether xylitol itself prevents dental cavities.[5][6] In the United States, xylitol is used as a common sugar substitute, and is considered to be safe for humans.[7]
Xylitol can be toxic to dogs.[8]
Ullmann
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).