Ortho-sulphobenzimide is also known as?

The correct answer is Saccharin.

Key Points

• Ortho-sulphobenzimide is the chemical name for saccharin, a widely used artificial sweetener.
• Saccharin is approximately 300–400 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), making it a popular choice for low-calorie and sugar-free products.
• It is non-nutritive, meaning it does not provide calories or energy when consumed, as it is not metabolized by the body.
• Saccharin was discovered in 1879 by Constantin Fahlberg, a chemist working on coal tar derivatives at Johns Hopkins University.
• It has been approved for use as a food additive by regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Additional Information

• Artificial Sweeteners:
  • Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that provide sweetness without the caloric content of sugar.
  • Common artificial sweeteners include aspartame, sucralose, alitame, and saccharin.
  • These are used in a variety of products such as soft drinks, chewing gum, baked goods, and toothpaste.
• Health Impact of Saccharin:
  • Saccharin was controversially linked to cancer in the 1970s based on studies in rats, but subsequent research cleared it of posing significant risks to humans.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health authorities consider it safe for human consumption within prescribed limits.
• Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI):
  • The ADI for saccharin is 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, as established by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA.
  • This ensures safe consumption levels for the general population.
• Comparison with Other Sweeteners:
  • Saccharin is stable under heat and acidic conditions, unlike aspartame, which breaks down at high temperatures.
  • Sucralose is sweeter than saccharin (about 600 times sweeter than sugar) and is also heat-stable, making it suitable for cooking and baking.