D-Mannitol
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D-Mannitol

Sweeteners Flavoring Agents
69-65-8
E421
C₆H₁₄O₆
$3.35 ~ $5.03
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
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Product Info

What is D-Mannitol?

D-Mannitol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) used extensively as a low-calorie bulk sweetener, bulking agent, and anti-caking agent, primarily in sugar-free confectioneries, chewing gums, and specialized medical preparations.

How is D-Mannitol made?

Step No. Production Stage Key Action Control Point & Note
1 Raw Material Preparation A concentrated aqueous solution is prepared using a starting sugar like fructose or invert sugar (a mix of glucose and fructose). Control Point: Sugar concentration and purity. The quality of the raw material directly impacts the final product purity and reaction efficiency.
2 Catalytic Hydrogenation The sugar solution is fed into a high-pressure reactor with a catalyst (typically Raney Nickel). Hydrogen gas is introduced to reduce the sugar into sugar alcohols. Control Point: Temperature, pressure, pH, and hydrogen flow rate. These parameters are critical for maximizing the yield of D-Mannitol over its isomer, D-Sorbitol.
3 Catalyst Filtration After the reaction is complete, the crude solution is filtered to completely remove the solid Raney Nickel catalyst. Control Point: Filtration efficiency. No catalyst particles should remain in the product stream as they are considered a major contaminant.
4 Purification & Decolorization The filtered solution is treated with activated carbon to remove color and organic impurities, followed by ion-exchange resins to remove mineral salts. Control Point: Color, conductivity, and purity of the solution post-treatment. Ensures removal of ionic and non-ionic contaminants before crystallization.
5 Crystallization The purified solution is subjected to controlled cooling. Due to its lower solubility, D-Mannitol selectively crystallizes out of the solution, leaving D-Sorbitol behind in the liquid. Control Point: Cooling rate, agitation, and final temperature. These factors heavily influence crystal size, shape, and purity. This is the primary separation step.
6 Centrifugation & Washing The resulting slurry is spun in a centrifuge to separate the solid D-Mannitol crystals from the sorbitol-rich mother liquor. The crystals are then washed with demineralized water. Control Point: Purity of the washed crystals. Washing removes residual mother liquor from the crystal surface, maximizing final product purity.
7 Drying The wet crystals are dried, typically in a fluid bed dryer, to reduce the moisture content to the specified level. Control Point: Drying temperature and final moisture content. Over-drying can cause degradation, while insufficient drying affects stability and flowability.
8 Sieving & Packaging The dried D-Mannitol is sieved or milled to achieve the desired particle size distribution. The final product is then passed through metal detectors and packaged into sealed containers. Control Point: Particle size analysis (PSA), metal detection, and package integrity. Ensures the product meets customer specifications and is free from foreign contamination.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number 69-65-8
Chemical Formula C₆H₁₄O₆
Solubility Soluble in water
Storage Conditions Store dry
Shelf Life 24 Months

Applications & Usage

Common Applications:

Tablets
low-calorie foods

Mechanism of action:

Parameter D-Mannitol
Functional Category Sweetener; Humectant; Bulking Agent; Anti-caking Agent; Texturizer.
Key Ingredients D-Mannitol (C6H14O6)
Mechanism of Action Binds water via its multiple hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, acting as a humectant to lower water activity (aw). Stimulates sweet taste receptors but is poorly metabolized, providing low-caloric sweetness. As a non-hygroscopic crystalline powder, it coats particles to prevent caking. Provides bulk and a characteristic cooling sensation (negative heat of solution) to enhance mouthfeel and texture.
Application Effect in Product Extends shelf life by retaining moisture in baked goods; prevents caking in powdered mixes and spices; provides bulk and a smooth, creamy texture in sugar-free confections; creates a distinct cooling sensation in mints and chewing gum; masks bitter aftertastes of some high-intensity sweeteners.


Comparison:

Product Name Category/Type Key Features Strengths (vs peers) Weaknesses (vs peers) Best Use Cases Why Choose
D-Mannitol Sugar Alcohol / Osmotic Diuretic Six-carbon sugar alcohol; administered intravenously; minimally metabolized; creates strong osmotic gradient. Well-established standard of care for ICP; predictable diuresis; has free-radical scavenging properties; does not significantly affect serum sodium. Can cause significant dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acute kidney injury; may crystallize in solution; risk of rebound intracranial pressure. Reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) in cerebral edema; lowering intraocular pressure before ophthalmic surgery; forced diuresis. For a rapid, reliable reduction of ICP when the blood-brain barrier is intact and renal function is adequate.
Hypertonic Saline (e.g., 3%) Hyperosmolar Crystalloid Solution Concentrated sodium chloride solution; creates an osmotic gradient by increasing serum sodium. Highly effective for ICP; expands intravascular volume, making it ideal for hypotensive patients; less risk of renal toxicity than mannitol. Risk of hypernatremia, hyperchloremic acidosis, and central pontine myelinolysis if sodium levels change too rapidly; requires careful monitoring. Traumatic brain injury, especially with concurrent hypotension or hyponatremia; patients who cannot tolerate the diuretic effect of mannitol. When the patient is volume-depleted or hypotensive, as it lowers ICP while also acting as a volume expander.
Sorbitol Sugar Alcohol / Osmotic Agent Isomer of mannitol; used orally as a laxative and sweetener, and intravenously for diuresis or irrigation. Lower cost; effective as an oral osmotic laxative and pharmaceutical excipient. Metabolized to fructose in the liver; less potent and less studied for ICP reduction than mannitol; can cause significant GI distress orally. Osmotic laxative for constipation; sweetener in diabetic foods; urologic irrigation solution. For non-critical care uses like laxatives or as a cost-effective excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.
Glycerol (Glycerin) Sugar Alcohol / Osmotic Agent Trihydroxy alcohol; can be administered orally or intravenously; provides calories as it's metabolized. Can be administered orally, avoiding the need for IV access for some indications; provides a source of energy. Less potent osmotic effect than mannitol; can cause hyperglycemia and hemolysis; significant rebound effect is common. Reducing intraocular pressure in acute glaucoma (oral administration); historical use for cerebral edema. For an oral osmotic agent to reduce intraocular pressure, or when IV agents are contraindicated or unavailable.

Technical Documents

Available Documentation

COA/TDS

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

MSDS available

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Quality assurance documentation

Technical Data Sheet

Detailed technical specifications