A white, crystalline, water-soluble, slightly sweet alcohol, C6H8(OH)6, used as a dietary supplement and dietetic sweetener and in medical tests of renal function.
A white crystalline hexose (HO.CH2.(CHOH)4.CH2.OH) of a sweet taste obtained from a so-called manna, the dried sap of the flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus); — called also mannite, and hydroxy hexane. Cf. dulcite. It is used in pharmacy as excipient and diluent for solids and liquids. It is also used as a food additive for anti-caking properties, or as a sweetener, and, illegally, to “cut” (dilute) illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
