HOCH2CHOH4CH2OH

mannitol man"ni*tol, n. [Mannite + -ol.] 1. (Chem.) 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.

Syn: D-mannitol; manna sugar; cordycepic acid; Diosmol; Mannicol; Mannidex; Osmiktrol; Osmosal. [1913 Webster +PJC]