Erythritol

1Identification

Name

Erythritol

IUPAC name

(2S,3R)-butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol

CAS number

149-32-6

EC number

205-737-3

Molecular formula

C4H10O4

Molecular weight

122.12 g/mol

InChIKey

UNXHWFMMPAWVPI-ZXZARUISSA-N

SMILES

C([C@H]([C@H](CO)O)O)O

PubChem CID

222285

Synonyms

meso-Erythritol, Phycitol, Erythrit, Mesoerythritol, Phycite, L-Erythritol, (2R,3S)-butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol, Antierythrite, Erythroglucin, 1,2,3,4-Butanetetrol, (2R,3S)-rel-, Paycite, erythro-tetritol, Tetrahydroxybutane, C*Eridex

Recommended uses

• Occurs naturally in fruits and fermented foods; Used as a food additive (non-nutritive sweetener); [Merck Index] Used in pharmaceuticals and to make erythrityl tetranitrate; [HSDB] Used as a flavor enhancer, humectant, carrier, and sweetener for foods; [JECFA]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Erythritol is a naturally occurring noncariogenic excipient used in a variety of pharmaceutical preparations, including in solid dosage forms as a tablet filler, and in coatings. It has also been investigated for use in dry powder inhalers. It is also used in sugar-free lozenges, and medicated chewing gum.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Non-nutritive sweetener in beverages
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Food additives · Food Additives -> CARRIER; CARRIER_SOLVENT; FLAVOUR_ENHANCER; HUMECTANT; SWEETENER -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Humectant; Moisturising

Description

• Erythritol is the meso-diastereomer of butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol. It has a role as an antioxidant, a plant metabolite and a human metabolite.
  ChEBI
• Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar that is found in algae, fungi, and lichens. It is twice as sweet as sucrose and can be used as a coronary vasodilator.
  DrugBank
• A four-carbon sugar that is found in algae, fungi, and lichens. It is twice as sweet as sucrose and can be used as a coronary vasodilator.
  Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Hazards summary

• No evidence of reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, or teratogenicity in rats or rabbits even at very high doses (10% dietary or 5,000 mg/kg/day intravenously); [REPROTOX] Ingestion of 50 grams can cause nausea and mild GI discomfort; [Reference #1] May cause irritation; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 4 of the supplier's SDS.

5Fire-fighting measures

• Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or foam as appropriate for surrounding fire and materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• This material is assumed to be combustible. As with all dry powders it is advisable to ground mechanical equipment in contact with dry material to dissipate the potential buildup of static electricity.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Wear approved respiratory protection, chemically compatible gloves and protective clothing. Wipe up spillage or collect spillage using a high efficiency vacuum cleaner. Avoid breathing dust. Place spillage in appropriately labeled container for disposal. Wash spill site.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Store in tight container as defined in the USP-NF. This material should be handled and stored per label instructions to ensure product integrity. Store in a refrigerator.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• When stored for up to 4 years in ambient conditions (20 °C, 50% RH) erythritol has been shown to be stable.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation are recommended.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use a NIOSH approved respirator, if it is determined to be necessary by an industrial hygiene survey involving air monitoring. In the event that a respirator is not required, an approved dust mask should be used.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Erythritol is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong bases.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Erythritol has very good thermal and chemical stability.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 11 of the supplier's SDS.

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Food labeling. Health claims: dietary noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners and dental caries. ... Eligible noncariogenic carbohydrate sweeteners are the sugar alcohols xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, hydrogenated glucose syrups, and erythritol, or a combination of these.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 222285 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.