Sorbose

Sorbose is a ketose, a type of monosaccharide, which is less common in nature than aldoses. It is a sweet, crystalline sugar that is used primarily in the commercial production of Vitamin C.

Chemical Structure

Sorbose is a hexose, a monosaccharide with six carbon atoms. It has the chemical formula C6H12O6. The structure of sorbose is similar to that of fructose, another ketose. However, unlike fructose, sorbose has a hydroxyl group (-OH) on the second carbon atom instead of the first.

Properties

Sorbose is a white, crystalline powder with a sweet taste. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. It is stable under normal temperatures and pressures, but it may decompose when exposed to high temperatures.

Production

Sorbose is produced commercially by the bacterial fermentation of glucose. The bacteria Gluconobacter oxydans is commonly used for this purpose. The resulting sorbose is then used as a starting material for the synthesis of Vitamin C.

Uses

The primary use of sorbose is in the production of Vitamin C. It is also used in some food and beverage applications as a sweetener, although it is not as sweet as sucrose or fructose.

Health Effects

As a sugar, sorbose can contribute to the calories in a diet. However, it is not commonly used as a sweetener in foods and beverages, so its impact on health is minimal. It is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See Also

• Monosaccharide
• Ketose
• Vitamin C
• Glucose
• Fructose
• Sucrose

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