Mannitol

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Synonyms: Mannitol, 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexahexanol.

Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄O₆

Molecular Weight: 182.18

CAS No.: 69-65-8

Structural Formula:

Physicochemical Properties:

A white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals; non-hygroscopic, odorless, and sweet-tasting. It is soluble in water, hot methanol, and ethanol, but insoluble in diethyl ether. The pH of a 10% aqueous solution ranges from 4.0 to 7.5. Melting point: 165–169°C; Boiling point: 290–295°C (at 3.5 × 133 Pa). Relative density: 1.49–1.52.

Mannitol is non-toxic; acute oral toxicity data for rats indicates an LD₅₀ of 17 g/kg.

Characteristics and Applications:

Mannitol and sorbitol are isomers. Mannitol is primarily utilized in the pharmaceutical industry. It serves as a raw material for the synthesis of various important intermediates in the fine chemical sector.

As a hexahexol containing six hydroxyl groups, mannitol can be reacted with propylene oxide to synthesize mannitol-based polyethers. These polyethers are used in the synthesis of rigid polyurethane foams, which possess advantageous properties such as high mechanical strength, excellent heat resistance, and superior dimensional stability.