Gluconic Acid, Glyconic Acid, Glycogenic Acid, Pentahydroxyhexanoic Acid, D-Gluco-hexonic Acid, Dextronic Acid, Maltonic Acid, E574, 526-95-4, 133-42-6

Gluconic Acid, Glyconic Acid, Glycogenic Acid, Pentahydroxyhexanoic Acid, D-Gluco-hexonic Acid, Dextronic Acid, Maltonic Acid, E574, 526-95-4, 133-42-6

GLUCONIC ACID CONCENTRATION TYPES AND FORMS

Gluconic Acid is a compound that is difficult to obtain and maintain in pure solid crystalline form. Therefore, it is commercially supplied predominantly as an aqueous solution at specific concentrations. The available forms and concentration types are detailed below.

1. Liquid Form (Aqueous Solution)

This is the most common form on the market. Different concentrations and purity grades are available.

• 50% (w/w) Aqueous Solution:

  • Description and Properties: This is the standard and most common commercial form of Gluconic Acid. The notation "w/w" (weight by weight) indicates that 50% of the total solution weight consists of pure Gluconic Acid. It is typically a colorless to light yellow/amber, syrupy liquid.

  • Physical Data:

    • Density: Approximately 1.23 - 1.24 g/cm³

    • pH: Approximately 1.8 - 2.0

    • Chemical Equilibrium: The solution is an equilibrium mixture of free acid, glucono-delta-lactone (GdL), and glucono-gamma-lactone. At room temperature, it contains approximately 5% GdL.

  • Commercial Grades:

    • Technical Grade: Standard quality used for industrial applications such as construction, metal cleaning, and water treatment.

    • Food Grade (FCC): Higher purity meeting stricter criteria (e.g., heavy metal limits) for applications intended for human consumption, such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Typically complies with standards like FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and FSSC 22000.

• 70% Gluconate Mixture (Special Formulation):

  • This is not a 70% solution of pure Gluconic Acid, but rather an aqueous mixture of Gluconic Acid and Sodium Gluconate. It is sold under trade names such as "Liquid Gluconate 70%".

  • Characteristics: This mixture is formulated so that when neutralized with caustic soda (NaOH), it provides an equivalent of 60% Sodium Gluconate. It is advantageous for industrial processes where preparing Sodium Gluconate solution on-site is practical or where specific pH profiles are desired.

2. Solid Form (Crystalline Powder)

The pure solid state of Gluconic Acid is theoretically a white crystalline powder. However, as noted, it is difficult to produce and keep stable in pure form, so pure acid powder is almost never commercially available.

• 99% Purity Powder: Products listed in the market as "Gluconic Acid 99% powder" are generally either Glucono-Delta-Lactone (GdL) or Sodium Gluconate salt. These are anhydrous or easily processable solid forms of Gluconic Acid that exhibit the properties of Gluconic Acid when dissolved in water.

Purity Grades

Depending on the intended application, the 50% solution can be supplied in different purity grades. The most common are:

• Technical Grade: Sufficient purity for industrial processes. Used in construction, textiles, metal treatment, and general cleaning.

• Food Grade (FCC/USP/EP): Meets the purity standards required for human health applications. Used as a food additive (E574) and in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Pharmaceutical Grade: Meets the highest purity standards for drug manufacturing. Preferred for producing salts intended for use in parenteral (injectable) solutions.

Storage and Stability Notes

• Temperature Sensitivity: The 50% solution tends to crystallize, especially at low temperatures (below approximately 15°C / 60°F). This is due to the reduced solubility of the lactones (particularly GdL) within the solution.

• Storage Conditions: To prevent crystallization and maintain stability, the product should be stored in a cool (but not excessively cold), dry place away from direct sunlight. If crystallization occurs, the product can be returned to a homogeneous liquid state by gently heating (e.g., to 30-40°C) and stirring.

• Material Compatibility: Gluconic Acid solutions, due to their acidic nature, can cause corrosion during prolonged contact with metals such as aluminum, iron, and mild steel. Therefore, storage and handling equipment should be made of acid-resistant materials such as stainless steel, plastic, or glass.

Product Name: GLUCONIC ACID 50%

Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is based on the source data supplied and is intended to describe the general characteristics of the product. The user is responsible for determining suitability for a specific application.

GLUCONIC ACID SECTORAL USAGE REPORT

Gluconic Acid (GA) and its salts, particularly Sodium Gluconate, have a wide range of industrial applications due to their mild acidic character, non-corrosive nature, and superior chelating (sequestering) ability for metals in alkaline environments compared to traditional agents like EDTA and NTA. The usage ratios by sector and specific application methods are detailed below.

1. CONSTRUCTION SECTOR (Global Consumption Share: Approx. 45%)

This is the largest area of consumption. In this sector, Sodium Gluconate is predominantly used instead of pure Gluconic Acid due to cost and solubility advantages.

• Application Method and Dosage:

  • Concrete Admixture (Set Retarder and Superplasticizer): Added to the concrete mixer, incorporated into the mixing water, or added directly in powder form with aggregates and cement at the ready-mix concrete plant.

  • Ratio: Dosed between 0.05% and 0.25% by weight of cement.

  • Functional Detail: Adsorbs onto the surface of cement particles, slowing down the hydration reaction (reaction with water). This provides additional time for transporting and placing concrete, especially in hot weather. It also reduces water demand, thereby increasing the final compressive strength of the concrete.

2. FOOD SECTOR (Global Consumption Share: Approx. 35%)

Glucono Delta Lactone (GDL) and Pure Gluconic Acid are used in this sector. It is listed in food codes as E574 as an acidity regulator.

• Application Methods and Areas:

  • Sports and Soft Drinks: Liquid gluconic acid is used to lower the pH of the beverage to a range of 3.0 - 4.0. It provides a mild sourness without a sharp taste. Application Method: Added directly to the mixing tank during the syrup preparation stage.

  • Dairy and Brewing Industry (Cleaning Purposes): Incorporated into alkaline detergent formulations at a rate of 5% - 15%. It effectively cleans calcium oxalate and magnesium ammonium phosphate deposits (milk stone / beer stone) that accumulate in pipelines and tanks by dissolving them via chelation in CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems.

  • Tofu (Soybean Curd) Production: Glucono Delta Lactone (GDL) is used as a coagulant. Ratio: Approximately 0.2% - 0.3% by weight of soy milk. GDL slowly dissolves in water and hydrolyzes into gluconic acid, gently precipitating proteins to create a silky texture.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL AND VETERINARY SECTOR (Global Consumption Share: Approx. 10%)

In this field, Gluconate Salts (Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium Gluconate) are used exclusively instead of the pure acid. These salts have high bioavailability and are easily tolerated by the body.

• Application Methods:

  • Oral Supplements: In tablet, capsule, or effervescent powder form. Calcium Gluconate is used in the treatment of osteoporosis; Ferrous Gluconate is used for anemia. Its non-irritating nature makes it preferred in pediatric syrups.

  • Parenteral (Injectable) Solutions: 10% Calcium Gluconate ampoules are administered intravenously (IV) in emergency rooms for the treatment of hypocalcemia (low calcium) or magnesium sulfate poisoning.

4. INDUSTRIAL CLEANING AND METAL SURFACE TREATMENT (Global Consumption Share: Approx. 7%)

• Application Method and Mechanism:

  • Metal Washing Baths: Gluconic Acid or Sodium Gluconate is added at a rate of 1% - 5% to strong alkaline solutions like Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). The purpose is to prevent rust and metal ions removed from steel or aluminum surfaces from re-depositing on the surface (chelation).

  • Bottle Washing Machines: In the caustic water used for washing returnable glass bottles, it binds calcium ions to prevent white lime haze (scale film) from forming on the glass surface. Ratio: 0.5 - 2.0 grams per liter of washing bath.

5. TEXTILE AND LEATHER INDUSTRY (Global Consumption Share: Approx. 3%)

• Application Methods:

  • Bleaching Stabilizer: In the hydrogen peroxide bleaching process of cotton fabrics, it chelates iron ions present in the water or on the fabric. This prevents the uncontrolled catalytic decomposition of peroxide, which can damage the fabric by creating pinholes. Application: Added to the bleaching bath at a dosage of 0.5 - 1.0 g/L.

  • Leather Tanning: Used to lower the pH of the hide and bind metal ions that need to be masked prior to chrome tanning.

6. AGRICULTURE SECTOR (Emerging Market)

• Application Method: Added to foliar fertilizers in the form of Ferrous Gluconate or Zinc Gluconate.

• Function: Absorption through plant leaves is rapid and easy. Effective in treating chlorosis (yellowing of leaves). Applied via spraying method using Water Soluble Granule (WSG) formulations.

GLUCONIC ACID - SYNONYMS AND ALTERNATIVE NAMES

Systematic and Chemical Names:

• D-Gluco-hexonic Acid

• Pentahydroxycaproic Acid

• 2,3,4,5,6-Pentahydroxyhexanoic Acid

• D-Gluconic Acid

Common and Trade Names:

• Dextronic Acid

• Maltonic Acid

• Glycogenic Acid

• Glyconic Acid

• Gluconate (General term for salt forms)

Derivative-Related Nomenclature:

• Glucono Delta Lactone (GDL) - Lactone form

• Sodium Gluconate Acid (Commercial reference based on sodium salt)

• Zinc Gluconate Acid (Commercial reference based on zinc salt)

Regulatory and Database Identifiers:

• CAS Number: 526-95-4 (D-Gluconic Acid)

• CAS Number: 133-42-6 (Gluconic Acid, aqueous solution)

• EINECS: 208-401-4

• E Number: E574 (As food additive)

• UNII: R4R8J0Q44B

• ChEBI: 33198

• PubChem CID: 10690