erythritol Chem.
(ɛˈrɪθrɪtɒl)
[f. erythrite + -ol.]
A tetrahydric alcohol, 1,2,3,4-butanetetraol, occurring chiefly in lichens and algæ, and obtainable by reduction of erythrose.
| 1891 Jrnl. Chem. Soc. LX. 657 (heading) Alkaline derivatives of erythritol. Ibid., Cold concentrated solutions of erythritol and sodium hydroxide were mixed..and the solution was allowed to evaporate. 1900 Jrnl. Chem. Soc. LXXVIII. i. 579 The algæ Trentepholia Jolithus..when extracted with ether, yields erythritol. 1923 J. J. Sudborough Bernthsen's Org. Chem. (new ed.) viii. 210 Erythritol (Butane-tetrol) occurs in the free state in Protococcus vulgaris. 1968 New Scientist 30 May 445/1 Certain tissues in the foetus, but not in the adult, contain erythritol, which stimulates the growth of Brucella abortus. |