Production of sorbitol

Sorbitol can be produced industrially by the electrochemical reduction or catalytic hydrogenation of glucose.

Glucose syrups, invert sugar and other hydrolyzed starches are important raw materials for the manufacture of sorbitol. Sorbitol is produced from the catalytic hydrogenation of glucose

Production and derivatives of sorbitol

The commercial processes for sorbitol production are based on batch technology and nickel is used as the catalyst.

The production is performed by high-pressure hydrogenation (70-140 atm) of glucose/fructose mixtures in aqueous solution at high temperature (120 – 160 °C).

After the reaction is completed, the catalyst is filtered out and the solution is purified. It is then evaporated to 70% solids and sold as sorbitol solution.
Production of sorbitol