Description
Dextrose anhydrous is a simple sugar, also known as D-glucose. The term “anhydrous” indicates that it does not contain any water molecules in its crystalline structure, differentiating it from dextrose monohydrate, which contains one molecule of water of crystallization. It is a white, crystalline powder that is odorless, has a sweet taste, and is freely soluble in water.
Key Properties and Uses
| Property | Description |
| Chemical name | D-Glucose (Anhydrous) |
| Chemical formula | C₆H₁₂O₆ |
| Molecular weight | 180.16 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol |
| Melting point | ~146°C (decomposes) |
| Density | ~1.54 g/cm³ (crystalline) |
| Optical activity | Dextrorotatory (+52.7° solution) |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic; absorbs moisture from air |
| pH (aqueous solution) | ~4.0–6.0 |
| Stability | Stable under dry conditions; decomposes on prolonged heating |
| Chemical nature | Reducing sugar (can undergo Maillard reaction and caramelization) |
Uses
Pharmaceuticals: In the medical field, it’s used to prepare intravenous solutions (IVs) for patients who cannot consume food or need to restore fluid balance and energy. It’s also a common excipient (inactive ingredient) in tablets and other medications, serving as a filler, binder, or sweetener.
Food and Beverage Industry: It’s used as a sweetener, a source of carbohydrates, and a bulking agent. Its applications include baked goods, candy, energy drinks, and processed foods.
Athletic Nutrition: Due to its rapid absorption, dextrose anhydrous is a popular ingredient in sports drinks and supplements to quickly replenish muscle glycogen after intense exercise.
Animal Feed: It is a valuable source of energy and a nutritional supplement in animal feed for livestock and pets.
Dextrose Anhydrous vs. Dextrose Monohydrate
Dextrose Anhydrous (C6H12O6): Contains no water molecules. It is typically a purer product with a higher concentration of glucose by weight. This makes it more suitable for applications where moisture is a concern, such as in certain pharmaceutical formulations or for specialized industrial uses.
Dextrose Monohydrate (C6H12O6⋅H2O): Contains one molecule of water per molecule of dextrose. It is more commonly used in food and beverage products as a sweetener and is generally less expensive to produce. It’s also widely used in various nutritional products and as a fermentation substrate
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