Polarimetric study of the interaction of electrolytes with mannitol and sorbitol

Abstract

The effects of various electrolytes in forming complexes with mannitol and sorbitol have been studied using polarimetry at a wavelength of 436 nm. In general, the ease of interaction with electrolytes is greater for sorbitol than for mannitol and the effects are greater for both polyols with anions rather than cations. The Group II cations are more effective than the Group I cations in producing changes in optical rotation of the polyols. In the case of interaction with anions, a tetrahedral symmetry containing—OH groups appears to be effective in complexing with the polyols, as is also the case when the anion is of complex form such as B₄H₄O^2–₉, B₃O^3–₆ and Mo₇O^6–₂₄.