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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 (C₆H₁₂O₇, E574)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): D-Gluco-hexonic Acid, 2,3,4,5,6-Pentahydroxyhexanoic acid

  • Synonyms: Dextronic Acid, Maltonic Acid, Glycogenic Acid, Pentahydroxycaproic Acid, Gluconate (salt form)

  • CAS Numbers:

    • Gluconic Acid (free acid): 526-95-4

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

    • Sodium Gluconate: 527-07-1

    • Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL): 90-80-2

  • EC Number (EINECS): 208-401-4

  • Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₂O₇

  • Molecular Weight: 196.16 g/mol

  • E Number: E574 (food additive)

  • Chemical Class: Organic acid (polyhydroxy carboxylic acid)

  • HS Code: 2918.16

  • UN Number: Not regulated (non-hazardous for transport)

2. Physical Properties

2.1 General Physical Properties (50% Aqueous Solution – Commercial Form)

Property Value
Appearance Clear, colorless to pale yellow to amber, syrupy liquid
Physical state (20°C) Liquid (viscous syrup)
Odor Characteristic, slightly acidic
Taste Mildly acidic
Density (20°C) 1.23–1.24 g/cm³ (1.23–1.24 g/mL)
Viscosity (20°C) 100–300 cP (syrupy)
pH (as supplied) 1.8–2.0
pH (1% solution) 2.5–3.0
Refractive index (nD20) 1.416–1.418
Freezing point Approx. -15°C (may crystallize below 15°C)

2.2 Physical Properties (Pure Solid – Theoretical)

Property Value
Appearance White crystalline powder
Melting point 131°C (decomposes)
Density 1.23 g/cm³

2.3 Solubility (Gluconic Acid)

Solvent Solubility (g/100 mL) Temperature
Water 316 mg/mL (31.6 g/100 mL) 25°C
Water Very soluble 20°C
Methanol Slightly soluble 20°C
DMSO Slightly soluble 20°C
Ethanol Slightly soluble 20°C
Acetone Insoluble 20°C

2.4 Solubility (Sodium Gluconate)

Temperature (°C) Solubility (g/100 mL water)
0°C 30.0
10°C 35.0
20°C 59.0
25°C 62.0
30°C 66.0
40°C 74.0
50°C 82.0
60°C 90.0

3. Chemical Properties

3.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: HOCH₂(CHOH)₄COOH

  • Polyhydroxy carboxylic acid (one carboxyl group, five hydroxyl groups)

  • Mild organic acid (pKa = 3.86)

  • Excellent chelating agent (especially in alkaline solutions)

  • Exists in equilibrium with glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) in aqueous solution

3.2 Acid Dissociation Constant (pKa)

Parameter Value
pKa (25°C) 3.86
Acid strength Weaker than citric acid (pKa 3.13), stronger than boric acid

3.3 Equilibrium with Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL)

In aqueous solution, gluconic acid exists in equilibrium with its lactone form:

Form Description Equilibrium
Gluconic acid (free acid) Open-chain form
Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) Cyclic ester form
Glucono-gamma-lactone Minor form

Typical composition (50% solution, 20°C):

  • Free gluconic acid: ~90–95%

  • GDL: ~5–10%

3.4 Chelation (Sequestration) – Stability Constants (log K)

Metal Ion Stability Constant (log K) Application
Fe³⁺ (iron) 4.5 Iron chelation, rust removal
Cu²⁺ (copper) 3.9 Copper complexation
Ca²⁺ (calcium) 2.1 Water softening, scale prevention
Mg²⁺ (magnesium) 1.8 Water softening
Al³⁺ (aluminum) 2.5 Aluminum surface treatment

Key advantage: Gluconic acid is a stronger chelator than EDTA and NTA in alkaline solutions (pH > 10) due to its polyhydroxy structure.

3.5 Thermal Stability

Parameter Value
Decomposition temperature >200°C (forms CO₂, H₂O, char)
GDL formation (heating) Converts to lactone at elevated temperatures
Stability in alkaline solutions Excellent (forms stable metal complexes)

3.6 Chemical Reactivity

Reaction Description
With bases (neutralization) Forms gluconate salts (sodium, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium gluconate)
With metal ions Forms stable, water-soluble complexes (chelates)
With lactonization Forms GDL (glucono-delta-lactone) upon heating or concentration
Oxidation Can be oxidized to glucaric acid
Esterification With alcohols → gluconate esters

3.7 Stability

Parameter Behavior
Stability (50% solution, 20°C) Stable (but equilibrium shifts with temperature)
Stability (dilute solutions) Stable
Light sensitivity Stable
Thermal stability GDL forms upon heating (reversible)

4. Available Commercial Grades and Forms

4.1 Liquid Form (Aqueous Solution) – Most Common

Concentration Grade pH Density (20°C) Applications
50% w/w Technical 1.8–2.0 1.23–1.24 g/cm³ Industrial cleaning, concrete, metal treatment
50% w/w Food Grade (FCC) 1.8–2.0 1.23–1.24 g/cm³ Food, beverage, pharmaceutical
50% w/w Pharmaceutical 1.8–2.0 1.23–1.24 g/cm³ Injectable gluconate salt production
70% w/w Technical 1.8–2.0 1.30–1.35 g/cm³ Industrial (specialty)

4.2 Solid Forms (Derivatives)

Form Formula Purity Applications
Sodium Gluconate C₆H₁₁NaO₇ ≥ 98% Concrete admixtures, cleaning, metal treatment
Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) C₆H₁₀O₆ ≥ 99% Tofu coagulant, food acidulant, baking powder
Calcium Gluconate C₁₂H₂₂CaO₁₄ ≥ 98% Pharmaceuticals (calcium supplement)
Zinc Gluconate C₁₂H₂₂O₁₄Zn ≥ 98% Dietary supplements (zinc source)
Iron(II) Gluconate C₁₂H₂₂FeO₁₄ ≥ 98% Anemia treatment (iron supplement)
Magnesium Gluconate C₁₂H₂₂MgO₁₄ ≥ 98% Magnesium supplement
Potassium Gluconate C₆H₁₁KO₇ ≥ 98% Potassium supplement

5. Quality Specifications (50% Food Grade – FCC)

Parameter Specification Test Method
Assay (C₆H₁₂O₇, w/w) 49.5–50.5% Titration
GDL content ≤ 5% HPLC
Reducing sugars (as dextrose) ≤ 0.5% Titration
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 0.02% Turbidimetric
Sulfates (SO₄) ≤ 0.02% Turbidimetric
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm Colorimetric
Lead (Pb) ≤ 1 mg/kg Atomic absorption
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1 ppm Atomic absorption
Iron (Fe) ≤ 20 ppm Colorimetric
Calcium (Ca) ≤ 50 ppm Atomic absorption
pH (1% solution) 2.5–3.0 pH meter
Appearance Clear to pale yellow liquid Visual
Density (20°C) 1.23–1.24 g/cm³ Hydrometer

6. Production Methods

6.1 Fermentation Process (Industrial Standard)

Microorganism: Aspergillus niger (mold)

Substrate: Glucose syrup (from corn starch or other carbohydrates)

Reaction: C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) + ½O₂ → C₆H₁₂O₇ (gluconic acid)

Process:

  1. Glucose solution is sterilized and inoculated with Aspergillus niger

  2. Fermentation at 25–30°C for 24–48 hours

  3. pH controlled at 5.5–6.5 (by adding CaCO₃ or NaOH)

  4. Calcium gluconate or sodium gluconate crystallizes

  5. Acidification with H₂SO₄ → gluconic acid + CaSO₄ (gypsum) or direct recovery

Typical yield: 80–90%

6.2 Catalytic Oxidation (Alternative)

Reaction: Glucose + O₂ (with Pt/Pd catalyst) → Gluconic acid

Process:

  1. Glucose solution passed over fixed-bed catalyst

  2. Air or oxygen bubbled through

  3. Product purified and concentrated

Purity: Very high (pharmaceutical grade)

7. Mechanism of Action – Chelation

7.1 Chelation in Alkaline Solutions

Step Description
1 In alkaline solution (pH > 10), gluconic acid deprotonates to gluconate ion
2 Hydroxyl groups (-OH) and carboxylate group (-COO⁻) coordinate with metal ions
3 Forms stable, water-soluble 1:1 or 1:2 complexes
4 Prevents metal ion precipitation (CaCO₃, CaSO₄, iron oxides)
5 Removes existing scale (chelates metal ions from insoluble deposits)

7.2 Comparison with EDTA and NTA

Property Gluconic Acid EDTA NTA
pH effectiveness >10 (excellent) 4–11 6–11
Chelation strength (Ca²⁺) Moderate (log K 2.1) High (log K 10.7) Moderate (log K 6.4)
Alkaline solution chelation Superior Good Good
Biodegradability Readily biodegradable Slow Moderate
Toxicity Very low Low Moderate
Environmental acceptance Excellent Poor Restricted

8. Industrial Applications

8.1 Construction Industry (Largest Application – ~45% of global consumption)

Form used: Sodium gluconate (not free gluconic acid)

Application Function Typical Dosage
Concrete admixture (retarder) Delays setting time, improves workability 0.05–0.25% by weight of cement
Superplasticizer component Reduces water demand, increases strength 0.1–0.5% by weight of cement
Hot weather concreting Prevents flash setting 0.1–0.3% by weight of cement

Mechanism: Adsorbs on cement particle surfaces, retards hydration (calcium silicate reaction)

Benefits:

  • Extends working time (especially in hot weather)

  • Reduces water requirement (15–25%)

  • Increases final compressive strength

  • Improves workability and pumpability

8.2 Food and Beverage Industry (E574 – ~35% of consumption)

Application Function Typical Concentration
Acidulant (soft drinks, iced tea, coffee) pH adjustment (3.0–4.0), provides mild acidity 0.1–0.5%
Tofu coagulant (as GDL) Silk-like texture, gentle protein coagulation 0.2–0.3% of soy milk weight
Baking powder (as GDL) Leavening agent (slow-release acid) 10–30% of baking powder
Wine and beer clarification (indirect – cleaning) Scale prevention (beer stone, milk stone) 0.5–2% in cleaning formulations
Preservative (synergist) Enhances other preservatives, chelates metals 0.05–0.2%
Mineral fortification (as gluconate salts) Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg sources (high bioavailability) As per regulations

8.3 Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry (~10% of consumption)

Form used: Gluconate salts (calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium gluconate)

Application Function Typical Dosage
Calcium supplement (calcium gluconate) Osteoporosis, hypocalcemia, pregnancy 500–1,500 mg Ca/day
Iron supplement (iron(II) gluconate) Anemia treatment (less GI irritation than ferrous sulfate) 100–200 mg Fe/day
Zinc supplement (zinc gluconate) Immune support, cold lozenges 15–50 mg Zn/day
Magnesium supplement (magnesium gluconate) Muscle function, sleep support 200–400 mg Mg/day
IV calcium gluconate (10% solution) Emergency treatment for hypocalcemia, MgSO₄ overdose 5–15 mL IV
Electrolyte solutions Mineral source in sports drinks 50–200 mg/L

Advantages of gluconate salts:

  • High bioavailability

  • Well-tolerated (low GI irritation)

  • Non-toxic, non-irritating

  • Stable in solution

8.4 Industrial Cleaning and Metal Treatment (~7% of consumption)

Application Function Typical Concentration
Alkaline bottle washing (returnable glass) Prevents white film (limescale), chelates Ca²⁺ 0.5–2.0 g/L wash bath
Dairy industry (CIP – milk stone removal) Removes calcium oxalate and phosphate scale 1–5% in alkaline cleaners
Brewery cleaning (beer stone removal) Removes calcium oxalate deposits 1–5% in alkaline cleaners
Metal degreasing/cleaning baths Chelates metal ions, prevents redeposition 1–5% in alkaline solutions
Rust removal (iron chelation) Chelates Fe³⁺, removes rust 5–20% solution
Aluminum etching pH control, chelation 1–5%
Cooling tower cleaning Scale removal 0.1–1%

Key advantage: Non-corrosive to metals (unlike strong acids)

8.5 Textile and Leather Industry (~3% of consumption)

Application Function Typical Concentration
Peroxide bleaching stabilizer Chelates Fe, Cu, Mn (prevents pinholes/catalyst damage) 0.5–1.0 g/L
Dyeing auxiliary Metal ion chelation, leveling agent 0.5–2 g/L
Leather tanning (as gluconic acid) pH adjustment, metal masking 1–5%

8.6 Agriculture (Emerging market)

Application Function Typical Concentration
Micronutrient chelates (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu gluconates) Foliar spray, soil application 0.1–0.5% solution
Chlorosis treatment (iron deficiency) Corrects iron deficiency in plants 0.1–0.2% iron gluconate spray

8.7 Water Treatment

Application Function
Scale inhibition Chelates Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ (prevents scale in cooling water, boilers)
Corrosion inhibition Forms protective film on metal surfaces (in combination)
Heavy metal precipitation (indirect) Chelates metals, prevents precipitation

9. Sodium Gluconate – Key Data

Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid, widely used as a concrete admixture and chelating agent.

Parameter Value
CAS Number 527-07-1
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₁NaO₇
Molecular Weight 218.14 g/mol
Appearance White to off-white crystalline powder
Purity (industrial grade) ≥ 98%
pH (1% solution) 6.5–7.5
Water solubility (20°C) 59 g/100 mL (very soluble)
Primary applications Concrete admixtures (retarder), cleaning, metal treatment

10. Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) – Key Data

GDL is the lactone (cyclic ester) form of gluconic acid, used as a slow-release acidulant.

Parameter Value
CAS Number 90-80-2
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₀O₆
Molecular Weight 178.14 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder
Melting point 150–155°C (decomposes)
pH (1% solution) 3.5–4.5 (slow hydrolysis to gluconic acid)
Solubility (water, 20°C) 60 g/100 mL
Primary applications Tofu coagulant, baking powder, cheese making

11. Toxicology and Safety

11.1 Acute Toxicity

Parameter Value Classification
Oral LD₅₀ (rat) >10,000 mg/kg (very low toxicity) Not classified
Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) >2,000 mg/kg Not classified
Inhalation LC₅₀ Not determined Not classified
Skin irritation Non-irritant Not classified
Eye irritation Mild irritant (concentrated solution) Not classified
Skin sensitization Non-sensitizer Not classified

11.2 Chronic Toxicity

Endpoint Classification
Carcinogenicity Not classified (non-carcinogenic)
Mutagenicity Negative
Reproductive toxicity Not classified
Target organ toxicity Not classified

11.3 Special Hazards

Hazard Description
Corrosivity Non-corrosive (mild organic acid)
Crystallization (50% solution) May crystallize below 15°C – warm to 30–40°C to re-dissolve

11.4 GHS Classification (Typical)

Classification Category
Signal word None (not classified as hazardous for most grades)
Hazard statements H319 – Causes serious eye irritation (concentrated 50% solution)
Precautionary statements P264, P280, P305+P351+P338

12. Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Hazards:

    • Very low acute toxicity

    • Concentrated solution (50%) may cause mild eye irritation

    • Non-flammable

    • Non-corrosive

  • PPE (recommended – industrial handling):

    • Safety glasses (EN 166)

    • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile – optional)

    • Protective clothing (for bulk handling)

  • Engineering controls:

    • Eyewash stations

    • Adequate ventilation

  • Storage conditions:

    • Keep tightly closed in original container (HDPE, PP, stainless steel)

    • Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area (5–30°C)

    • Protect from freezing (may crystallize below 15°C – warm to 30–40°C to re-dissolve)

    • Avoid metal containers (may corrode – use plastic or stainless steel)

  • First aid:

    • Inhalation: Move to fresh air

    • Eye contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek medical attention if irritation persists

    • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water

    • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water (low toxicity)

13. Environmental Fate

Parameter Value
Biodegradability Readily biodegradable (OECD 301) – 90–100% in 28 days
Aquatic toxicity (fish, LC₅₀, 96 hours) >1,000 mg/L (very low toxicity)
Daphnia magna (EC₅₀, 48 hours) >500 mg/L
Algal toxicity (EC₅₀, 72 hours) >100 mg/L
Bioaccumulation Low potential (log P < 1)
Soil mobility High (high water solubility)
WGK Germany 1 (low hazard to water)
Disposal method Neutralization (if required) → wastewater treatment (biodegradable)

14. Storage and Shelf Life

14.1 Storage Conditions

Parameter Requirement
Storage temperature 5–30°C (avoid freezing – may crystallize below 15°C)
Container HDPE, PP, stainless steel (avoid carbon steel, aluminum)
Protect from Freezing (crystallization), heat (lactone formation)
Environment Cool, dry, well-ventilated area

14.2 Shelf Life

Parameter Value
Shelf life (sealed, 50% solution) 12–24 months
Shelf life (sodium gluconate powder) 24–36 months
Degradation indicators Crystallization (freezing), color darkening (oxidation), lactone formation (GDL)

15. Transport Information

Regulation Classification
UN Number Not regulated (non-hazardous)
ADR/RID Not classified as dangerous goods
IMDG Not regulated
IATA Not regulated
Proper shipping name Gluconic acid solution (non-hazardous)

16. Synonyms and Common Names

  • English: Gluconic Acid, Dextronic Acid, Maltonic Acid, Glycogenic Acid, Pentahydroxycaproic Acid, D-Gluco-hexonic Acid

  • Other names: Gluconate (salt form), E574

  • French: Acide gluconique

  • German: Gluconsäure

  • Spanish: Ácido glucónico

  • Turkish: Glukonik Asit, Glikojenik Asit

Trade names: Gluconal, Dextronic acid, Gluconic acid 50%

17. Regulatory Status

Regulation Status
REACH (EU) Registered
TSCA (US) Listed
FDA GRAS – food additive (E574) – 21 CFR § 184.1316
EFSA Permitted as food additive (E574)
USP / Ph. Eur. Monographed (for gluconate salts)
EPA Not restricted

18. Why Choose Gluconic Acid?

Advantage Description
Excellent chelator in alkaline solutions Stronger than EDTA/NTA at pH >10
Readily biodegradable Environmentally friendly (90–100% degradation)
Non-corrosive Safe for equipment (unlike strong mineral acids)
Non-toxic GRAS status; very low acute toxicity
Versatile Construction, food, pharma, cleaning, metal treatment
High bioavailability (gluconate salts) Well-tolerated mineral supplements
Mild acidity No sharp off-flavor (suitable for beverages)
Stable Long shelf life (12–24 months)
Multiple forms Acid, sodium salt, GDL, gluconate salts
Cost-effective Lower cost than specialty chelators (EDTA alternatives)

Limitations:

  • May crystallize at low temperatures (50% solution – warm to 30–40°C to re-dissolve)

  • Weak acid (pKa 3.86) – Not suitable for strong acid applications

  • Limited solubility (free acid) – Use sodium salt for high-concentration aqueous solutions

  • GDL formation upon heating – May alter properties if overheated

19. Application Summary Table – Selection Guide

Application Recommended Form Typical Concentration Key Benefit
Concrete admixture Sodium gluconate 0.05–0.25% of cement Retarder, water reducer
Beverage acidulant Gluconic acid (50%) 0.1–0.5% Mild acidity, no sharp flavor
Tofu coagulant GDL 0.2–0.3% of soy milk Silk-like texture
Calcium supplement Calcium gluconate 500–1,500 mg Ca/day High bioavailability
Iron supplement Iron(II) gluconate 100–200 mg Fe/day Well-tolerated, low GI irritation
Alkaline bottle washing Sodium gluconate 0.5–2 g/L Prevents scale (white film)
Dairy CIP cleaning Gluconic acid/sodium gluconate 1–5% in alkaline cleaner Removes milk stone
Rust removal Gluconic acid (50%) 5–20% solution Chelates Fe³⁺
Peroxide bleaching (textile) Sodium gluconate 0.5–1.0 g/L Stabilizer (chelates Fe, Cu, Mn)
Foliar spray (agriculture) Iron/zinc gluconate 0.1–0.5% solution Corrects micronutrient deficiency

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

Parameter Value
Product Name Gluconic Acid (E574)
CAS Number 526-95-4 (free acid); 133-42-6 (solution)
EC Number 208-401-4
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₂O₇
Molecular Weight 196.16 g/mol
Appearance (50% soln) Clear to pale yellow syrupy liquid
Density (50% soln, 20°C) 1.23–1.24 g/cm³
pH (50% solution) 1.8–2.0
pKa (25°C) 3.86
Water Solubility 316 mg/mL (free acid); 59 g/100 mL (sodium gluconate)
E Number E574
Primary Applications Concrete admixture (sodium gluconate), food acidulant, chelating agent, mineral supplements (gluconate salts), industrial cleaning
Biodegradability Readily biodegradable (90–100%)
Oral LD₅₀ (rat) >10,000 mg/kg
GHS Signal Word None (non-hazardous)
UN Number Not regulated
Shelf Life (50% solution) 12–24 months

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for construction chemical formulators, food technologists, pharmaceutical scientists, industrial cleaning specialists, textile chemists, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.

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