Also known as benzosulfimide, Sweet'n Low®
Saccharin is an organic acid with a pKa of 1.6. It is most commonly used as the sodium salt. The calcium salt and free saccharin are also used.
Saccharin has a sweet taste; many (but not all) people experience a bitter-metallic off taste. Its onset of sweetness is rapid. The sweetness potency relative to sucrose is about 300, but depends upon the concentration of sucrose which is being matched.
Saccharin has excellent stability. The sodium and calcium salts have excellent water solubility.
Saccharin is approved by the FDA, EFSA, and JECFA. At one time saccharin was thought to be a carcinogen. Click the "Further information button for details.
Saccharin was discovered in 1879. It was the first synthetic sweetener used commercially.