Description
Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid,
produced by fermentation of glucose. It is a white to tan, granular
to fine, crystalline powder, very soluble in water. Non corrosive,
non-toxic and readily biodegradable (98 % after 2 days), sodium
gluconate is more and more appreciated as chelating agent.
The outstanding property of sodium gluconate is its
excellent chelating power, especially in alkaline and concentrated
alkaline solutions. It forms stable chelates with calcium, iron,
copper, aluminium and other heavy metals, and in this respect, it
surpasses all other chelating agents, such as EDTA, NTA and related
compounds.
Aqueous solutions of sodium gluconate are resistant to
oxidation and reduction, even at high temperatures. However, it is
easily degraded biologically (98 % after 2 days), and thus presents
no wastewater problem.
Sodium gluconate is also a highly efficient set retarder and
a good plasticiser / water reducer for concrete, mortar and
gypsum.
And last but not least, it has the property to inhibit
bitterness in foodstuffs.