-itol
suffix
UK/ˈaɪ.tɒl/ or /ˈɪt.əl/US/ˈaɪ.tɔːl/ or /ˈɪt.əl/
Used in chemistry to form the names of polyhydric alcohols (sugar alcohols), often derived from sugars. Common examples include ‘xylitol’ (from xylose), ‘sorbitol’ (from sorbose), and ‘mannitol’ (from mannose). These compounds are frequently used as sweeteners or in medical applications due to their low digestibility and other functional properties.
Example Sentences
Mannitol is commonly used in medical settings as an osmotic diuretic to help reduce intracranial pressure or treat certain kidney conditions.
Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute in chewing gum and candy, providing a sweet taste without significantly raising blood glucose levels.
Scientists frequently name sugar alcohols with the '-itol' ending to reflect their structural relation to monosaccharides.
Sorbitol occurs naturally in some fruits and is often used in diet-friendly products because of its lower caloric value compared to sugar.
Erythritol stands out among other '-itol' sweeteners due to its almost negligible caloric content and minimal effect on blood sugar.
When reading food labels, many health-conscious consumers look for '-itol' ingredients as potential alternatives to traditional table sugar.
Because '-itol' compounds are partially fermented by gut bacteria, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, underscoring the importance of moderation.
Understanding that '-itol' denotes a sugar alcohol structure allows manufacturers and consumers alike to identify products containing alternative sweeteners, enabling informed dietary choices and innovative food product development worldwide.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Suffix used in chemistry to denote sugar alcohols or polyols.The suffix '-itol' is commonly used in chemistry to form names of sugar alcohols (also known as polyols), which are organic compounds derived from sugars but with a reduced aldehyde or ketone group. For example, 'sorbitol' and 'mannitol' are sugar alcohols used as sweeteners or in medical applications. These compounds are used for their sweetness, non-digestibility, or ability to have a lesser impact on blood sugar levels compared to regular sugars.
Alternatives
Alternatives could be using terms like 'sugar alcohol' or 'polyol' to describe these substances, though '-itol' is more precise and widely used in chemistry and food science.
Writing
In scientific writing, '-itol' is essential for naming sugar alcohols or polyols, particularly in fields like biochemistry, food science, and pharmaceuticals. For example, 'glyceritol' refers to a sugar alcohol derived from glycerol. Use '-itol' when discussing these specific compounds in technical contexts.
Casual Conversation
In casual language, '-itol' terms like 'sorbitol' or 'mannitol' are less common but may appear when discussing sugar substitutes or medications. These terms are often encountered in health-related contexts, particularly concerning low-sugar or sugar-free products.
