| abstract |
The invention relates to novel anhydrous (β) lactitol crystals, belonging to the orthorhombic P212121 crystal system and having unit cell constants a = 9.6 Å, b = 11.1 Å, c = 14.0 Å. The invention also relates to crystalline lactitol products containing the novel anhydrous β lactitol and to a process for the preparation thereof by crystallizing from an aqueous solution of lactitol. The novel anhydrous β lactitol is stable and nonhygroscopic and it may be used as a substitute for sugar in foodstuffs and sweets, as well as in pharmaceutical and hygienic products. |