Cyclitol

In organic chemistry, a cyclitol is a cycloalkane containing at least three hydroxyl, each attached to a different ring carbon atom. The general formula for an unsubstituted cyclitol is C
_nH
_2n-x(OH)
_x or C
_nH
_2nO
_x where 3 ≤ x ≤ n.

The name is also used for compounds that can be viewed as result of substituting various functional groups for the hydrogen atoms in such a molecule, as well as similar molecules with one or more double bonds in the ring.

Cyclitols and their derivatives are some of the compatible solutes which are formed in a plant as a response to salt or water stress. Some cyclitols (e.g. quinic or shikimic acid) are parts of hydrolysable tannins.