Overview

Saccharin (SAK-uh-rin) is a synthetic compound whose water solutions are at least 500 times as sweet as table sugar. It passes through the human digestive system without being absorbed, so it has an effective caloric value of zero. It is used as a sugar substitute by diabetics or by anyone wishing to reduce their caloric intake.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Benzoylsulfonic imide; benzoic sulfimide

Formula:

C₇H₅NO₃S

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur

Compound Type:

Organic

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

183.18 g/mol

Melting Point:

228°C (442°F)

Boiling Point:

Not applicable; decomposes

Solubility:

Slightly soluble in water; soluble in acetone and ethyl alcohol

Saccharin was the first artificial sweetener discovered. It was synthesized accidentally in 1879 when Johns Hopkins researchers Constantine Fahlberg (1850–1910) and Ira Remsen (1846–1927) were working on the development of new food preservatives. The story is told that Fahlberg accidentally spilled one of the substances being studied...