Dulcite, pronounced as /ˈdʌlsɑɪt/, is a chemical compound that is commonly found in nature. The word comes from the Latin word dulcis, which means "sweet." The phonetic transcription of the word highlights the different sounds that make up the word, including the short "u" sound as in "up," the "l" sound, the "s" sound, and the long "i" sound. Its spelling is crucial in the scientific industry as it denotes the specific compound and its properties.
Dulcite is a noun that refers to a crystalline substance or a white powder that is a form of dulcitol, an organic compound. It is a sugar alcohol, which means it is a sweet-tasting substance that is derived from sugars. Dulcite is naturally found in certain fruits, such as apples and other stone fruits, and it is also synthesized in the laboratory for various purposes.
Chemically, dulcite is classified as a hexahydroxy sugar alcohol, with the molecular formula C6H14O6. It has a chemical structure that closely resembles other sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and mannitol. Dulcite is known for its sweet taste, similar to sugar but with a slightly different flavor profile. Due to its sweetening properties, it is often used as a sugar substitute in certain food and beverage products, particularly in low-calorie or sugar-free options.
Apart from its use as a sweetener, dulcite also has other applications in the field of chemistry and pharmaceuticals. It can act as a reducing agent in chemical reactions, and it is used in various synthesis processes to produce different organic compounds. Additionally, dulcite has been studied for its potential therapeutic properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may have potential applications in the development of pharmaceutical drugs.
Overall, dulcite is a versatile substance that can be used as a sweetener, a reducing agent, and may have possible health benefits.
Dulcin, dulcitol, dulcose, euonymite, melampyrite; a sugar, C5H14O6, obtained from several species of Euonymus and of Melampyrum; it is similar to mannite.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "dulcite" is derived from the Latin term "dulcis", which means "sweet". "Dulcite" is the common name for a sugar alcohol called D-mannitol, and it is so named due to its sweet taste. The term "dulcis" has been used in Latin to describe anything sweet or pleasant since ancient times, and its influence has carried over into the scientific nomenclature of various sweet substances.