Polarised light micrograph of crystals of D- mannitol, an alcohol derived from the sugar mannose. This sugar is found in the 'manna' exuded by the flo

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Polarised light micrograph of crystals of D- mannitol, an alcohol derived from the sugar mannose. This sugar is found in the 'manna' exuded by the flowering ash, Fraxinus ornus. It is also found in the seaweed Phaeophyta, a brown alga which flourishes in cold ocean water, and it is from this source that mannitol is prepared for commercial use. It is used as a food additive (E421) in confectionery as a sweetener, emulsifier, anti-caking agent, and thickener. It is used in pharmacy for similar purposes. Industrially, it is involved in the production of plasticizers and resins. Magnification: x8 at 35mm size.

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Size: 5021px × 3357px
Photo credit: © SIDNEY MOULDS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: chemical, chemistry, compound, compounds, crystal, crystals, emulsifier, mannitol, sugar, sweetener