D(-)-Sorbito can be obtained by reduction of glucose, which changes the converted aldehyde group to a primary alcohol group . Most sorbitol is made from potato starch, but it is also found in nature.
5% w/v aqueous solution in boiling water is clear and colourless.
Specific rotation
+4.00° to +7.00° (c = 5gm substance and 6.4 gm of disodium tetraborate in 40 mL of water R. Allow to stand for 1 h and dilute to 50 mL with water R, at 20 ± 0.5°C, anhydrous basis)