Sodium gluconate

Description

Sodium gluconate is the organic sodium salt of gluconic acid. Sodium gluconate is a chelator that forms stable complexes with various ions and ultimately prevents these ions from engaging in chemical reactions. Gluconates are naturally occurring substances that freely dissociate to the gluconate anion and its respective cations. Being fully biodegradable and non-toxic, it represents an environment friendly alternative to the common chelating agents used in cosmetics such as EDTA. In addition to this, sodium gluconate has a low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms.

Chemical properties

Sodium gluconate is a white to tan, granular to fine, practically odourless crystalline powder. It is very soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in ether.

The Uses of Sodium gluconate

Sodium Gluconate is an excellent chelating agent, water reducer and efficient plasticizer. It is non-toxic, non corrosive and easily biodegradable (98% after 2 days) grade. Aqueous solutions of sodium gluconate are resistant to oxidation and reduction, even at high temperatures. Sodium Gluconate is recommended for inks, paints and coatings.

Definition

ChEBI: Sodium gluconate is an organic sodium salt having D-gluconate as the counterion. It has a role as a chelator. It contains a D-gluconate.

Synthesis

The calcium gluconate is added into the reaction kettle. Add sulfuric acid aqueous solution while stirring. After mixing for one hour, let it stand for a while and then get it filtered. The filter residue is CaSO4 and gets it removed. The filtrate is added into the neutralization kettle, and a proper amount of Na2CO3 aqueous solution is added to neutralize it. Finally get sodium gluconate through concentration, filtration and drying.

Regulations

In Europe, sodium gluconate is listed as a generally permitted food additive (E576) and may be added to all foodstuffs, following the "quantum satis" principle, as long as no special regulation restricts the use.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigned sodium gluconate the “generally recognised as safe” (GRAS) status and permitted its use in food without limitation other than current good manufacturing practice.
Sodium gluconate is exempted from the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) by means of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 987/2008 of 8 October, 2008 (amending Annex IV). As a consequence thereof, there is no need to register sodium gluconate.