sorbitol Chem.
(ˈsɔːbɪtɒl)
[f. sorbite1 + -ol.]
A hexahydric alcohol, CH2OH·(CHOH)4·CH2OH, found as a dextrorotatory isomer and crystallizing in the berries of the mountain-ash as colourless needles.
| 1895 Naturalist 24 The unripe berries have much malic acid,..also amygdalin, emulsin, sorbitol. 1898 Ibid. 187 Mannite and another alcoholic sugar called sorbitol. 1928 Haas & Hill Introd. Chem. Plant Products (ed. 4) I. 70 Sorbitol occurs in the berries of Pyrus aucuparia and also in apple juice. 1955 Sci. News Let. 29 Jan. 70/1 A sugary substance called sorbitol..is used to ‘entrap’ the essential oils and esters that carry the citrus fruit flavor and fragrance. 1964 [see hexahydric adj. s.v. hexa-]. 1975 Sci. Amer. Dec. 80 In response to the raised level of glucose in the aqueous humour (as in the blood) that is characteristic of diabetes..the enzyme catalyzes the reduction of glucose to form the sugar alcohol sorbitol. |