Sodium Gluconate

About This Product

Sodium gluconate, the sodium salt of gluconic acid with formula C6H11NaO7 and CAS number 527-07-1, is produced by fermenting glucose and supplied as a white crystalline powder, very soluble in water and readily biodegradable. Its distinguishing property is chelation under highly alkaline conditions. Most sequestrants lose effectiveness as pH rises, because hydroxide competes for the metal ion and precipitates it; sodium gluconate instead forms stable complexes with calcium, iron and aluminium in strong caustic. That is exactly the condition inside a bottle washer or a caustic degreasing bath, where hardness scale and iron would otherwise deposit on the ware and on the equipment. It is therefore the standard additive in alkaline cleaning formulations, in aluminium etching, and in radioactive decontamination of stainless plant. Its second major market is concrete, where it is a highly effective set retarder and water reducer: adsorbed onto cement grains it delays hydration, extending working time in hot weather and in long pours, while allowing the same workability at lower water content and therefore higher strength. It is used in alkaline and bottle-washing cleaners, concrete retarders and plasticisers, metal surface treatment, textile processing and water treatment. Bio Green Chem supplies sodium gluconate to specification on assay, reducing substances, chloride, sulfate, pH, loss on drying and heavy metals.