Saccharin

Saccharin is the oldest artificial sweetener; it was discovered in 1879 by Ira Remsen and Constantin Fahlberg of Johns Hopkins University.

Chemistry

The image above shows the chemical structure of saccharin as its sodium salt, which has the chemical formula C7H4NNaO3S · 2H2O.

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Saccharin can be produced in various ways. Remsen & Fahlberg's original route starts with toluene, but yields from this starting point are small. In 1950, an improved synthesis was developed at the Maumee Chemical Company of Toledo, Ohio. In this synthesis, anthranilic acid successively reacts with nitrous acid, sulfur dioxide and chlorine, and then ammonia to yield saccharin. Another route begins with o-chlorotoluene. (Bungard, 1967)

Related Topics:
Toluene - 1950 - Maumee Chemical Company - Toledo, Ohio - Anthranilic acid - Nitrous acid - Sulfur dioxide - Chlorine - Ammonia - Chlorotoluene

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