Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Sorbitol (D-Glucitol, CAS 50-70-4, molecular formula C₆H₁₄O₆, MW 182.17) is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, humectant, plasticizer, and crystallization inhibitor in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic formulations. China dominates global sorbitol production with annual capacity exceeding 1.5 million metric tons from catalytic hydrogenation of glucose at large-scale facilities in Shandong, Henan, and Hebei provinces. Both liquid (70% solution) and crystalline powder forms are available at competitive pricing.
In pharmaceutical formulations, sorbitol serves as a sweetener and vehicle for oral liquids, a plasticizer for gelatin capsule shells, a humectant in topical preparations, and an osmotic laxative at higher doses. Crystalline sorbitol provides a directly compressible filler-sweetener for chewable and sugar-free tablets. Chinese manufacturers produce sorbitol from non-GMO corn starch through enzymatic liquefaction, saccharification, and high-pressure catalytic hydrogenation, achieving pharma-grade purity with precisely controlled crystallization.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities maintain China ISO 9001:2015, FSSC 22000, and kosher/halal certifications. Analytical testing includes assay (HPLC), reducing sugars, mannitol content, nickel residue, sulfate, chloride, heavy metals, water content, and microbial limits. Products conform to USP/NF, EP, FCC, JP, and ChP monograph specifications. FDA DMF registrations are maintained for pharma-grade crystalline sorbitol.
Hydrogenation is performed over nickel catalyst at controlled temperature and hydrogen pressure, followed by catalyst removal through depth filtration. Ion exchange purification removes mineral impurities. Crystallization conditions (temperature, seeding, agitation) are precisely controlled to achieve target crystal form and particle size. Liquid sorbitol concentration is adjusted through evaporation under vacuum to achieve the target 70% w/w specification.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 50-70-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₁₄O₆ |
| Molecular Weight | 182.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder / clear viscous liquid |
| Assay (HPLC, dry basis) | ≥97.0% |
| Total Sugars | ≤1.0% |
| Nickel | ≤1 ppm |
| Chloride | ≤50 ppm |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤5 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, FCC, JP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Crystalline sorbitol is packed in 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags, palletized and stretch-wrapped. Liquid sorbitol (70%) is supplied in 280 kg drums, IBC totes, or flexitank/ISO tank containers for bulk orders. Lead time is 7–12 business days. FOB shipment from Qingdao, Shanghai, or Tianjin ports; CIF and DDP terms supported.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, kosher/halal and non-GMO certificates, and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification ensures straightforward international logistics.
China Supply Advantage
China’s corn processing industry provides abundant, cost-effective glucose feedstock for sorbitol production, delivering competitive pricing 25–40% below Western alternatives. Integrated starch-to-sorbitol operations ensure supply chain stability and quality consistency. Chinese sorbitol producers export to pharmaceutical, food, toothpaste, and cosmetic manufacturers in over 100 countries, with the scale, regulatory documentation, and logistics expertise to serve as reliable long-term supply partners.