Xylitol

Molecular Structure:

Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₂O₅
Molecular Weight: 152.1458
IUPAC Name: Pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol
Classification Code: Flavoring Agents ; Food Additives ; Mutation data ; Pharmaceutic aid [vehicle, sweetened] ; Sweetening Agents
Melting point: 94-97 °C 
Index of Refraction: 1.57
Molar Refractivity: 32.76 cm³
Molar Volume: 99.7 cm³
Surface Tension: 89.6 dyne/cm
Density: 1.525 g/cm³
Flash Point: 261.9 °C
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 87.76 kJ/mol
Boiling Point: 494.5 °C at 760 mmHg
Vapour Pressure of Xylitol (CAS NO.87-99-0): 7.47E-12 mmHg at 25 °C

   In the 20th century, Xylitol (CAS NO.87-99-0) was first derived from birch trees in Finland  and was first popularised in Europe as a safe sweetener for people with diabetes that would not impact insulin levels. 

 Xylitol (CAS NO.87-99-0) is used as a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in the fibres of many fruits and vegetables, including various berries, oats, corn husks, and mushrooms. Many Finnish confectioneries employ Xylitol, or have a Xylitol version available. In Finland, Virtually all chewing gum sold  is sweetened with Xylitol.

 Xylitol (CAS NO.87-99-0) is produced by hydrogenation of xylose, which converts the sugar (an aldehyde) into a primary alcohol.Today, using hardwood or maize sources, the largest manufacturer globally is the Danish company Danisco, with several other suppliers from China.

  Xylitol (CAS NO.87-99-0) was consumed as much as 400 grams daily for long periods with no toxicity . Like most sugar alcohols, it has a laxative effect because sugar alcohols are not fully broken down during digestion.
   Dogs that have ingested foods containing high levels of xylitol(87-99-0) (greater than 100 milligram of xylitol(87-99-0) consumed per kilogram of bodyweight) have presented with low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) which can be life-threatening. Low blood sugar can result in a loss of coordination, depression, collapse and seizures in as soon as 30 minutes. Intake of very high doses of xylitol(87-99-0) (greater than 500 - 1000 mg/kg bwt) has also been implicated in liver failure in dogs, which can be fatal. These are points of controversy, however, as earlier World Health Organization studies using much higher doses on dogs for long periods showed no ill effect.  
Hazard Codes: Xi
Risk Statements: 36/37/38 
R36/37/38: Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.
Safety Statements: 24/25-36-26 
S24/25: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. 
S36: Wear suitable protective clothing. 
S26: In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
WGK Germany: 2
RTECS: ZF0800000

  Xylitol (CAS NO.87-99-0), its Synonyms are Xylitol [USAN] ; Eutrit ; Kannit ; Klinit ; NSC 25283 ; Newtol ; UNII-VCQ006KQ1E ; Xylite ; Xylite (sugar) ; Xyliton .