L-Sorbose

L-Sorbose

L-Sorbose (CAS No. 87-79-6) is a naturally occurring ketohexose sugar with molecular formula C6H12O6 and molecular weight 180.16 g/mol. It appears as a white to almost white crystalline powder and is widely used in biochemistry and food chemistry.pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

Chemical Identity and Structure

• IUPAC Name: (3S,4S,5R)-1,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexan-2-one [ketohexose form]pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih
• Synonyms: L-(-)-Sorbose, Keto-L-gulopyranosetcichemicals+1
• Molecular Formula: C6H12O6tcichemicals
• Molecular Weight: 180.16 g/molpubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih
• Structure: L-Sorbose is a ketohexose with a ketone group at the second carbon and five hydroxyl groups, forming a six-carbon sugar distinct from glucose.pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: White to almost white crystalline powder or crystals.tcichemicals
• Melting Point: Approximately 155 – 165 °C.chemicalbook+1
• Optical Rotation: Specific rotation of about -42° to -44° (C=1, H2O).tcichemicals
• Solubility: Soluble in water, forming almost transparent solutions.tcichemicals
• Stability: Non-hygroscopic crystalline substance, stable under normal conditions.tcichemicals
• Boiling Point: Estimated at about 233 °C.chemicalbook

Applications and Uses

• Used in biochemical research as a rare sugar and intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism studies.
• Important in food and pharmaceutical industries for sweetener formulation and biochemical testing.
• Model molecule for studying ketose sugar chemistry and enzymatic conversions.pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih+1

Storage and Handling

• Store under inert gas in a cool and dark place below 15 °C, protected from moisture and strong oxidizers.tcichemicals

Regulatory and Identification Numbers

L-Sorbose is a valuable carbohydrate for scientific research and industrial applications owing to its unique chemical structure and physical characteristics.pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih+1