Ask Difference

Sorbitol vs. Mannitol — What's the Difference?

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

Share via Social Media
Embed This Content
Embed Code
Share Directly via Messenger
Link
Next Comparison
Tutor vs. Tudor

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons

Trending Terms