MANNITAN

n. Ma"a'i-t'n. Fr., mannilane. Ger., M. A yellowish-white syrupy substance, CfHuOj = C6Hg(OH)4O, of very sweet taste (according to others, having only a slightly sweet taste), amorphous but crystallizing on long exposure to dry air, deliquescing in moist air, and easily soluble in water and in alcohol, but insoluble in ether. It is prepared by heating mannite with sulphuric acid. [B; B, 270 (a, 38); "Proc. of the Am. Pharm. A oc.," xxv (a, 39).] [s. 710]