Saccharin (CAS 128-44-9) - A Comprehensive Guide

What is Saccharin?

Saccharin is an artificial sweetener commonly used in foods and beverages to replace sugar. With the chemical formula C₇H₅NO₃S and CAS number 128-44-9, Saccharin is one of the oldest sweeteners available on the market. Saccharin is about 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar, making it ideal for calorie-reduced products.

Difference between Saccharin Acid, Saccharin Sodium Monohydrate, and Saccharin Sodium Dihydrate

The three compounds Saccharin Acid, Saccharin Sodium Monohydrate, and Saccharin Sodium Dihydrate differ in chemical structure and properties due to their composition and water content:

1. Saccharin Acid (also known as Saccharin or Benzoic Sulfimide)

• Structure: This is the pure, non-neutralized form of saccharin acid. It consists of a heterocyclic ring system containing a sulfonamide group and a keto group.
• Use: Saccharin itself is a sweet-tasting substance, but in this form, it is rarely used because it is poorly soluble in water.
• Properties: Saccharin is a synthetic sweetener, about 300-700 times sweeter than sugar, but it provides no calories. In its pure form, it is usually available as a powder.

2. Saccharin Sodium Monohydrate

• Structure: This is the sodium salt of saccharin acid with one molecule of crystal water (monohydrate).
• Use: The monohydrate form is more water-soluble than pure saccharin acid and is commonly used as a sweetener in foods and beverages. It is the most common form of saccharin used in the food industry.
• Properties: It has a high sweetness intensity, is stable under various pH levels, and can dissolve well in liquids.

3. Saccharin Sodium Dihydrate

• Structure: This is also the sodium salt of saccharin acid, but with two molecules of crystal water (dihydrate).
• Use: It serves similar purposes as the monohydrate form but with slightly different physical properties due to the higher water content. It can be used in the production of food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
• Properties: The main difference lies in its water-binding capacity, which affects stability and storage requirements. It has similar sweetness properties to the monohydrate form.

Summary:

• Saccharin Acid: The pure acid form, poorly water-soluble.
• Saccharin Sodium Monohydrate: The sodium salt with one molecule of crystal water, highly water-soluble and widely used.
• Saccharin Sodium Dihydrate: The sodium salt with two molecules of crystal water, more water-containing but otherwise similar in application.

Properties of Saccharin

• Chemical Formula: C₇H₅NO₃S
• CAS Number: 128-44-9 (waterfree form)
• Molar Mass: 183.18 g/mol
• E-Number: E954
• Appearance: White, crystalline substance
• Melting Point: 228 °C

Applications of Saccharin

1. Food Industry:

Saccharin is used as a sweetener in sugar-free drinks, chewing gum, desserts, and canned goods. Combined with other sweeteners, Saccharin is often used to create a more pleasant taste.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry:

Used in medications as a flavor enhancer, particularly in chewable tablets, liquids, and vitamins.

3. Cosmetic Industry:

Saccharin is used in toothpaste and mouthwash as a sweetening agent.

Benefits of Saccharin

• Calorie-Free: Saccharin is not metabolized by the body, thus contributing no calories.
• Stability: It remains stable under extreme conditions such as heat or acidity.
• Tooth-Friendly: Saccharin does not cause cavities, making it a preferred choice in products like toothpaste.

Safety and Controversies

The safety of Saccharin was controversial in the past. In the 1970s, concerns arose about a possible link between Saccharin and cancer. However, extensive studies have shown that Saccharin is safe in the usual amounts used in food and beverages. Both the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have classified Saccharin as safe.

Further Information and Research

• Regulatory Status: Saccharin is approved in many countries and has a long history of safe use.
• Current Research: New studies are investigating the potential role of Saccharin in weight control and diabetes prevention.

Where to buy Saccharine depending on its application

Saccharin is a widely used sweetener in various industries. Depending on the application, there are different sources where you can buy saccharin:

1. Food Industry:

• Food Ingredient Wholesalers: Saccharin is often purchased by companies that manufacture food and beverages. These companies usually source saccharin from specialized wholesalers of food additives.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Pharmaceutical Wholesalers: Saccharin is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a sweetener in medications. It is sourced through pharmaceutical wholesalers or specialized suppliers of pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Pharmacy Supply Providers: Companies that supply pharmacies and pharmaceutical raw materials also offer saccharin.

3. Cosmetic Industry:

• Cosmetic Raw Material Suppliers: Saccharin is used in toothpaste and mouthwashes. Cosmetic companies buy it from suppliers specializing in raw materials for cosmetic products.

4. Private Consumers:

• Pharmacies: Saccharin in small quantities, such as in sweetener tablets, is available in many pharmacies.
• Supermarkets: Most supermarkets sell saccharin as a sweetener for personal use, in tablet or powder form.

5. Chemical Trade:

• Chemical Suppliers: For industrial or specialized chemical applications, saccharin is sourced through chemical suppliers. They often offer various grades of purity, depending on the intended use.

6. Pet Food Industry:

• Pet Food Additive Suppliers: Saccharin is sometimes used as an additive in pet food. Manufacturers source it from specialized suppliers for pet food.

The choice of supplier and source depends heavily on the intended use and the required quantities. For industrial applications, specialized wholesalers and platforms are the best choice, while for personal use, pharmacies and supermarkets are sufficient.

Conclusion

Saccharin (CAS 128-44-9) is a versatile and safe sweetener widely used across various industries. Thanks to its unique properties and ability to replace sugar without adding calories, Saccharin remains a valuable ingredient in many products.

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