decomp

Isosorbide is a heterocyclic compound derived from glucose and is thus a biofeedstock. Glucose can be hydrogenated to sorbitol, which upon double dehydration gives isosorbide. The picture shown to the right is a simplification, since only one enantiomer is formed from sorbitol.

Two medications derived from isosorbide are used to treat angina pectoris: isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate. Other isosorbide-based medicines are used as osmotic diuretics and for treatment of esophageal varices. Like other nitric oxide donors (see biological functions of nitric oxide), this drug lowers portal pressure by vasodilation and decreasing cardiac output.