Sorbitol vs. Mannitol — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Sorbitol and Mannitol
ADVERTISEMENT
Compare with Definitions
Sorbitol
Sorbitol (), less commonly known as glucitol (), is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste which the human body metabolizes slowly. It can be obtained by reduction of glucose, which changes the converted aldehyde group (−CHO) to a primary alcohol group (−CH2OH).
Mannitol
Mannitol is a type of sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and medication. It is used as a low calorie sweetener as it is poorly absorbed by the intestines.
Sorbitol
A white, sweetish, crystalline alcohol, C6H8(OH)6, found in various berries and fruits or prepared synthetically and used as a flavoring agent, a sugar substitute for people with diabetes, and a moisturizer in cosmetics and other products.
Mannitol
A white, crystalline, water-soluble, slightly sweet alcohol, C6H8(OH)6, found in plants, algae, and fungi. It is used in medicine, especially for its diuretic properties, and in foods as a sweetener and texturizer.
Sorbitol
(biochemistry) A faintly sweet alcohol C6H14O6 that occurs in some fruits, is made synthetically, and is used especially as a humectant and softener and in making ascorbic acid.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mannitol
(organic compound) A polyhydroxy alcohol, an isomer of sorbitol, used as an artificial sweetener.
Mannitol
A white crystalline hexose (HO.CH2.(CHOH)4.CH2.OH) of a sweet taste obtained from a so-called manna, the dried sap of the flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus); - called also mannite, and hydroxy hexane. Cf. Dulcite. It is used in pharmacy as excipient and diluent for solids and liquids. It is also used as a food additive for anti-caking properties, or as a sweetener, and, illegally, to "cut" (dilute) illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
Mannitol
A diuretic (trade name Osmitrol) used to promote the excretion of urine
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Chondrichthyes vs. OsteichthyesNext Comparison
Tutor vs. Tudor