Title: Lactulose
CAS Registry Number: 4618-18-2
CAS Name: 4-
O-b-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-fructose
Synonyms: 4-D-galactopyranosyl-4-D-fructofuranose; 4-
O-b-D-galactosyl-D-fructose; 4-b-D-galactosido-D-fructose
Trademarks: Cephulac (Aventis); Cholac (Alra); Constilac (Alra); Duphalac (Solvay); Generlac (Morton Grove); Lactuflor (Chephasaar); Laevilac (Fresenius); Normase (Molteni)
Molecular Formula: C12H22O11
Molecular Weight: 342.30
Percent Composition: C 42.11%, H 6.48%, O 51.41%
Literature References: Prebiotic, synthetic disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose. Prepn: E. M. Montgomery, C. S. Hudson,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 52, 2101 (1930); Oosten,
Rec. Trav. Chim. 86, 673 (1967); K. B. Hicks, F. W. Parrish,
Carbohydr. Res. 82, 393 (1980). Clinical evaluation of effects on fecal bifidobacteria and selected metabolic indices: Y. Bouhnik
et al., Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 58, 462 (2004).
Properties: Hexagonal clustered plates from methanol, mp 168-171°. Sweeter than lactose, but not as sweet as sucrose. Shows mutarotation; constant value after 24 hrs: [a]D22 -51.5°. Soly in water (w/w) at 30°: 76.4%; at 60°: 81%; at 90°: >86%. Acid hydrolysis yields galactose and fructose.
Melting point: mp 168-171°
Optical Rotation: [a]D22 -51.5°
Therap-Cat: Laxative.
Keywords: Laxative/Cathartic.