Sucrose Octaacetate

Basic Information

Name: Sucrose Octaacetate

CAS No: Acetic acid[(2S,3S,4R,5R), 4-acetoxy-2,5-bis(acetoxymethyl), 2- [[(2R,3R,4S,5R,6R). 3,4,5-triacetoxy-6-(acetoxymethyl), 2-tetrahydropyranyl]oxy], 3-tetrahydrofuranyl]ester [126-14-7]

Functional Categories

Alcohol denaturant bittering agent

1. Nonproprietary Names

USP-NF: Sucrose Octaacetate

2. Synonyms

a-D-Glucopyranoside, 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-b-D-fructofuranosyl-, tetraacetate; octaacetylsucrose.

3. Chemical Name & CAS Registry

Acetic acid[(2S,3S,4R,5R), 4-acetoxy-2,5-bis(acetoxymethyl), 2- [[(2R,3R,4S,5R,6R). 3,4,5-triacetoxy-6-(acetoxymethyl), 2-tetrahydropyranyl]oxy], 3-tetrahydrofuranyl]ester [126-14-7]

4. Empirical Formula & Molecular Weight

C28H38O19 678.59

5. Structural Formula

6. Applications

Sucrose octaacetate is used as an alcohol denaturant in pharmaceutical formulations. It is also used as a bittering agent, and is incorporated into preparations intended to deter nail-biting or thumb-sucking.

7. Description

Sucrose octaacetate occurs as white hygroscopic powder. It is practically odorless with a bitter taste.

8. Pharmacopeial Specifications

See Table I.

9. Typical Properties

Boiling point 2608C Flash point 307.38C Melting point 898C (decomposes above 2858C) Refractive index 1.47 Solubility see Table II. Specific gravity 1.28 at 208C (water = 1) Specific rotation [a]D 25.4 = þ58.58

10. Stability & Storage

Sucrose octaacetate is a stable material and should be stored in a well-closed, airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place; moisture may cause instability.

12. Method of Manufacture

Sucrose octaacetate is typically produced by chemical synthesis; one reported synthetic method is by pyridine-catalyzed acetylation of sucrose.(1,2)

13. Safety

Sucrose octaacetate is generally regarded as safe. It is considered slightly hazardous in cases of skin contact (irritant), ingestion, or inhalation.

14. Handling Precautions

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of the material handled. When heated to decomposition, sucrose octaacetate emits acrid smoke and irritating vapors. Compatible chemical-resistant gloves and eye safety goggles are recommended. Respiratory protection is not required, but dust masks may be used for protection from nuisance levels of dust.

15. Regulatory Status

GRAS listed. Approved by the FDA as both a direct and an indirect food additive, and as a nail-biting deterrent for over-the-counter drug products.(4)

16. Related Substances

Sodium acetate; sucrose.

17. Comments

Sucrose octaacetate is a naturally occurring substance that has been isolated from plant material: the root of Clematis japonica contains 0.15% of sucrose octaacetate by dry weight. At a concentration of 0.06% sucrose octaacetate renders sugar too bitter for human consumption.(5) The EINECS number for sucrose octaacetate is 204-772-1. The PubChem Compound ID (CID) for sucrose octaacetate is 219904.