Title: Sorbose
CAS Registry Number: 87-79-6
CAS Name: L-Sorbose
Synonyms: sorbin; sorbinose
Molecular Formula: C6H12O6
Molecular Weight: 180.16
Percent Composition: C 40.00%, H 6.71%, O 53.28%
Literature References: From sorbitol by fermentation with
Acetobacter suboxydans: Perlman,
J. Chem. Educ. 36, 60 (1959); Lockwood,
Methods Carbohydr. Chem. 1, 151 (Academic Press, New York, 1962).
Properties: Orthorhombic, bisphenoidal crystals. About as sweet as sucrose. d15 1.65. mp 165°. [a]D30 -42.7° (c = 5). pKa (17.5° ): 11.55. Freely sol in water; almost insol in alcohol. Reduces Fehling's soln.
Melting point: mp 165°
pKa: pKa (17.5° ): 11.55
Optical Rotation: [a]D30 -42.7° (c = 5)
Density: d15 1.65
Use: In the manuf of vitamin C (accounts for nearly 1000 tons of ascorbic acid produced every year). For conversion of L-sorbose to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid
see Reichstein, Grüssner,
Helv. Chim. Acta 17, 311 (1934).