L-Arabinose

CAS Number: 5328-37-0
Chemical Formula: C₅H₁₀O₅
Molar Mass: 150.13 g/mol
Appearance: L-Arabinose is a white crystalline powder or granules.

Solubility: It is soluble in water.

Function: L-Arabinose is commonly used as a sweetening agent in the food industry. It is not well absorbed by the human body, making it a popular ingredient in sugar-free and low-calorie foods.

Structure: L-Arabinose is a five-carbon sugar (pentose) with the chemical formula C₅H₁₀O₅. It is an aldopentose, meaning it contains an aldehyde functional group.

Isomers: Arabinose exists in two stereoisomeric forms: L-Arabinose and D-Arabinose. These isomers are mirror images of each other, similar to left and right hands. L-Arabinose is the naturally occurring form found in plants and some microorganisms.

Occurrence: L-Arabinose is commonly found in nature as a component of plant cell wall polysaccharides, such as hemicelluloses and pectins. It is particularly abundant in fruits like apples, pears, and cherries, as well as in grains like wheat and rye.

Sweetness: L-Arabinose has about half the sweetness of sucrose (table sugar). Despite its sweetness, it is not readily metabolized by humans, leading to its use as a low-calorie sweetener in certain food products.

Industrial Uses: L-Arabinose is utilized in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In the food industry, it is used as a sugar substitute in products like chewing gum, beverages, and dairy products. It can also be used as a flavor enhancer and a humectant.

Health Benefits: Some studies suggest that L-Arabinose may have potential health benefits, such as supporting digestive health and potentially helping to regulate blood sugar levels. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health.

Biotechnological Applications: L-Arabinose is also used in biotechnology, particularly in molecular biology research. It serves as an inducer for the arabinose operon in certain bacterial expression systems, allowing for controlled gene expression.