Xylitol

Xylitol is a <a href="/facts/Chemical_compound/37FXqqtv">chemical compound</a> with the formula C5H12O5, or HO(CH2)(CHOH)3(CH2)OH; specifically, one particular <a href="/facts/Stereoisomerism/I3kzlDE8">stereoisomer</a> with that structural formula. It is a colorless or white <a href="/facts/Crystal/e2R2mk3E">crystalline</a> solid. It is classified as a <a href="/facts/Polyalcohol/kV7Uul59">polyalcohol</a> and a <a href="/facts/Sugar_alcohol/kV7Uul59">sugar alcohol</a>, specifically an <a href="/facts/Alditol/zfygfNrW">alditol</a>. Of the common sugar alcohols, only <a href="/facts/Sorbitol/LA9MsjYb">sorbitol</a> is more soluble in water.
The name derives from <a href="/facts/Ancient_Greek_language/LIK7NlUh">Ancient Greek</a>: ξύλον, xyl[on] 'wood', with the suffix -itol used to denote it being a sugar alcohol.
Xylitol is used as a <a href="/facts/Food_additive/jGk8zjn8">food additive</a> and <a href="/facts/Sugar_substitute/jtA1DAjx">sugar substitute</a>. Its <a href="/facts/E_number/n3VSY29I">European Union code number</a> is E967. Replacing <a href="/facts/Sugar/jb5KXRHT">sugar</a> with xylitol in food products may promote better dental health, but evidence is lacking on whether xylitol itself prevents <a href="/facts/Dental_cavities/trECbk2z">dental cavities</a>. In the United States, xylitol is used as a common <a href="/facts/Sugar_substitute/jtA1DAjx">sugar substitute</a>, and is considered to be safe for humans.
Xylitol can be toxic to <a href="/facts/Dog/DvQVRVzy">dogs</a>.

Xylitol open-in-new

Xylitol