Lactitol (CAS 585-86-4) is a fascinating polyol with a rich scientific background, underpinning its widespread use across various industries. As a leading manufacturer and supplier, NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is pleased to offer insights into the production, properties, and diverse applications of this versatile ingredient.

Production of Lactitol: From Lactose to Sugar Alcohol

Lactitol is synthesized through the catalytic hydrogenation of lactose, a disaccharide commonly found in milk. This process involves reducing the aldehyde group of lactose to a hydroxyl group, transforming it into a sugar alcohol. The key steps typically include:

  1. Hydrogenation: Lactose is reacted with hydrogen gas under pressure in the presence of a catalyst, often Raney nickel or ruthenium-based catalysts. This reaction converts lactose into Lactitol.
  2. Purification: Following hydrogenation, the reaction mixture undergoes purification processes to remove catalysts and by-products.
  3. Crystallization: Lactitol is then crystallized from a solution, often yielding its monohydrate form, which is commercially prevalent. The control of crystallization parameters is crucial for obtaining desired purity and crystal structure.

The efficiency and selectivity of the hydrogenation process, along with meticulous purification, are what allow us, as a dedicated manufacturer, to supply high-quality Lactitol.

Key Chemical and Physical Properties of Lactitol

Lactitol possesses a unique set of properties that make it highly valuable:

  • Appearance: It typically presents as a white crystalline powder.
  • Sweetness: Lactitol offers a mild, clean sweetness, approximately 30-40% as sweet as sucrose.
  • Caloric Value: It provides 2.0-2.4 kcal/g, significantly less than sucrose's 4 kcal/g.
  • Stability: Lactitol is stable across a broad pH range (3-9) and under various processing temperatures, making it suitable for diverse food applications.
  • Low Hygroscopicity: It absorbs less moisture than sucrose, aiding in product crispness and shelf-life extension, particularly in baked goods and confectionery.
  • Non-cariogenic: Oral bacteria do not metabolize Lactitol to produce acids that cause tooth decay.
  • Prebiotic Activity: It passes undigested to the colon, where it is fermented by beneficial gut bacteria.

Diverse Applications Driven by Science

The scientific understanding of Lactitol’s properties has paved the way for its widespread use:

  • Food Industry: As a sweetener, bulking agent, and texturizer in bakery, confectionery, dairy products, and sugar-free items.
  • Pharmaceuticals: As an excipient in tablets, capsules, and as a cryoprotectant for sensitive biological molecules.
  • Nutritional Supplements: For prebiotic benefits and low-calorie, low-glycemic formulations.

Partnering with NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD.

At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., our expertise in chemical synthesis and dedication to quality assurance ensure that we supply Lactitol (CAS 585-86-4) that meets the highest standards. We are committed to being a reliable supplier, offering competitive pricing for bulk purchases. If you are seeking to buy Lactitol for any of these applications, we invite you to contact us for a quote and detailed product specifications. Discover the scientific advantage of choosing NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. as your Lactitol manufacturer and supplier.