Crystalline lactitol monohydrate and a process for the preparation thereof, use thereof, and sweetening agent

Abstract

A crystalline lactitol monohydrate having lattice cell constants a =7.815.+-.0.008 .ANG., b=12.682.+-.0.008 .ANG., and c=15.927.+-.0.008 .ANG., and a melting range between 90.degree. and 105.degree. C., and a water content between 4.85 and 5.15%, as well as a process of preparing said crystalline lactitol monohydrate by evaporating the aqueous solution of lactitol to a concentration between 75 and 88% by weight, cooling the resultant mixture at a temperature ranging between 30 and 75.degree. C., subsequently separating the lactitol monohydrate crystals from the mother liquor, and subsequently drying with air having a temperature between 120.degree. C., and a relative humidity between 0 and 40%, for a time period less than 24 hours. The invention also relates to the use of said crystalline lactitol monohydrate as a bulk sweetener for the total or partial replacement of sucrose, in dietetic products, confectionery, bakery products, cereals, desserts, jams, beverages, chocolate, chewing gum and ice-cream, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products, such as tooth paste, as well as a special sweetening agent resembling sucrose, mainly composed of said crystalline lactitol monohydrate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.