Sorbitol

1Identification

Name

Sorbitol

IUPAC name

(2R,3R,4R,5S)-hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol

CAS number

50-70-4 (also reported: 69-65-8, 98201-93-5)

EC number

200-061-5

Molecular formula

C6H14O6

Molecular weight

182.17 g/mol

InChIKey

FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N

SMILES

C([C@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](CO)O)O)O)O)O

PubChem CID

5780

Synonyms

D-Sorbitol, sorbitol, D-Glucitol, glucitol, Glucarine, (-)-Sorbitol, Nivitin, Sorbit, D-(-)-Sorbitol, Diakarmon, Sorbilande, Sorbostyl, Esasorb, Multitol

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Sorbitol
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Found in many fruits, seaweed, and algae; Used to make sorbose, ascorbic acid, propylene glycol, synthetic plasticizers, and resins; Used as a moisture conditioner on printing rolls, leather, tobacco, writing inks, antifreeze mixtures, and food and beverage manufacturing; Also used as a sugar substitute for diabetics, pharmaceutic aid, and laxative; [Merck Index] Used in cosmetics, as a plasticizer in film formulations, surfactant, in urethane resins and rigid foams, as stabilizer for vinyl resins, in varnishes and lacquers, as a sequestrant for some multivalent metals, and for various other food, pharmaceutical, and medical applications;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Other Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Waterproofing agent Humectant Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Humectant Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Other
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Food additives · Fragrance Ingredients

Description

• Sorbitol is an odorless colorless solid. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• D-glucitol is the D-enantiomer of glucitol (also known as D-sorbitol). It has a role as a metabolite, a laxative, a sweetening agent, a cathartic, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and a food humectant. It is an enantiomer of a L-glucitol.
  ChEBI
• A polyhydric alcohol with about half the sweetness of sucrose. Sorbitol occurs naturally and is also produced synthetically from glucose. It was formerly used as a diuretic and may still be used as a laxative and in irrigating solutions for some surgical procedures.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 2 of the supplier's SDS.

Health hazards

• Hot liquid will burn skin. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Combustible. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• No adverse effects on reproduction, development, or lactation observed in 3-generation study of rats at doses up to 10% of the diet; [REPROTOX] May cause gastrointestinal tract effects; Health effects of exposure to the substance have been investigated extensively but none have been found. [ICSC] May cause irritation; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See Mannitol.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Only for burns caused by hot liquid. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Special protective equipment for fire-fighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions: Carbon oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Sweep spilled substance into covered containers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Personal precautions: Avoid dust formation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Methods for cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• The bulk material is hygroscopic and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Goggles or face shield; protective clothing for hot liquid. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Safety spectacles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection is not required. Where protection from nuisance levels of dust are desired, use type N95 (US) or type P1 (EN 143) dust masks. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• SORBITOL is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Water soluble.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Materials to avoid: Strong oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Sorbitol will form water-soluble chelates with many divalent and trivalent metal ions in strongly acidic and alkaline conditions. Addition of liquid polyethylene glycols to sorbitol solution, with vigorous agitation, produces a waxy, water-soluble gel with a melting point of 35-40 °C. Sorbitol solutions also react with iron oxide to become discolored. Sorbitol increases the degradation rate of penicillins neutral and aqueous solution.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance may cause effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• D-Sorbitol's production and use as a non-nutritive sweetener and as a starting material in the synthesis of sorbose and vitamin C may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. D-Sorbitol occurs naturally in apples, plums, pears, cherries, dates, peaches, apricots and other fruits. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 4.9X10-9 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates D-sorbitol will exist in the particulate phase. Particulate-phase D-sorbitol will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. If released to soil, D-sorbitol is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 2.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Observe all federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substances as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. D-Sorbitol is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 5780 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.