Gluconic acid
[CAS# 526-95-4]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Carbohydrate >> Monosaccharide
• Name: Gluconic acid
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₂O₇
• Molecular Weight: 196.16
• CAS Registry Number: 526-95-4
• EC Number: 208-401-4
• SMILES: C([C@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](C(=O)O)O)O)O)O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.243 g/mL
• Melting point: 131 °C
• Refractive index: 1.4161
• alpha: 9

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319
• Safety Statements: P264-P264+P265-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

First isolated by German chemist Kiliani in the late 19th century, gluconic acid’s unique properties have intrigued researchers. It belongs to a family of organic acids that are derived from glucose through oxidation, either by microbial action or chemical synthesis. Gluconic acid was initially studied as a food additive and chelating agent, but its uses soon extended beyond these areas.

The versatility of gluconic acid soon became apparent across industries. In agriculture, it is used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer ingredient to enhance nutrient uptake by plants. Its chelating properties have led to its use in cleaning products and industrial descaling agents, where it binds to metal ions to prevent precipitation and scaling.

In the food industry, gluconic acid is used as a preservative and acidulant, regulating acidity levels and extending the shelf life of various products. Its mild acidity and non-corrosive properties also make it suitable for pharmaceutical formulations, where it can stabilize drugs and enhance drug delivery systems.

With increasing environmental awareness, gluconic acid is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative in a variety of applications. Advances in biotechnology use microbial fermentation to produce gluconic acid in an economical manner with minimal environmental impact. This approach not only reduces reliance on chemical synthesis, but also opens the door to a bio-based economy.

Contemporary research continues to explore new frontiers for gluconic acid. The role of gluconic acid in biomedicine, particularly in tissue engineering and drug targeting, holds promise for innovative therapeutic approaches. In addition, advances in nanotechnology have integrated gluconic acid into nanomaterial synthesis, contributing to areas such as catalysis and renewable energy.

References

2003. Protective effect of magnesium gluconate against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure. Anti-Cancer Drugs, 14(9).
DOI: 10.1097/00001813-200310000-00008

2003. Environmental fate and effects of DEEDMAC, EDTA, and gluconate. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 22(10).
DOI: 10.1897/02-512

1994. Biosynthesis of novel copolyesters by Pseudomonas oleovorans from glucose and n-alkanoic acids. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 195(8).
DOI: 10.1002/macp.1994.021950812