Glucin is anartificial sweetening agent similar tosaccharin that was used in the early 20th century.[1] The substance is asodiumsalt derived from coal tar. It is composed of a mixture of mono- and di-sulfonic acids with a chemical formula of C19H16N4.[2] It typically appears as a light brown powder, easily soluble in water. It is insoluble in ether and chloroform. Glucin is about three hundred times sweeter thancane sugar.[2]
The use of glucin as afood additive is prohibited in much of theUnited States due to concerns about its health effects.