Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone

Off-white powder. Soluble in methanol. Chemical. CAS: 20702-77-6. Formula: C28H36O15. MW: 612.58. Semisynthetic. Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone is a flavonoid sweetening agent with potent antioxidant activity. It is a preparation from Naringen, a flavanone glycoside occurring naturally in grapefruit. It is used as an artifical sweetener, especially in chewing gum and dentifrices. In food it is used as a flavour enhancer in concentrations of around 4-5 parts per million (ppm) and as an artificial sweetener at around 15-20 ppm. Pharmaceutical companies use it reducing the bitterness of pharmacological drugs in tablet form, and it has been used for livestock feed as a means of reducing feeding time. It is also widely favoured for use in otherwise naturally bitter products. As a flavour enhancer, NHDC is used in a wide range of products and is indicated by the E number E 959. It is noted particularly for enhancing sensory effects.