C6H11NaO7

C6H11NaO7, commonly known as sodium gluconate, is the sodium salt of gluconic acid (C6H12O7). It is produced by the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The compound is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and is hygroscopic.

Industrial production typically relies on microbial oxidation of glucose using fungi or bacteria such as Aspergillus niger or Gluconobacter species, with subsequent neutralization to form the sodium salt. An alternative chemical route involves the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid followed by neutralization.

Sodium gluconate has a molecular weight of about 218.14 g/mol. It is stable under ordinary conditions and forms highly soluble aqueous solutions. As a chelating agent, it binds metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, aiding in processes where mineral hardness or metal-dependent reactions occur.

Applications of sodium gluconate are broad. In the food and beverage industry, it serves as a sequestrant, buffering agent, and stabilizer, helping to control acidity and prevent unwanted setro reactions. In cleaners and detergents, it functions as a metal chelant to improve efficiency and reduce scale formation. In construction, it is used as a set retarder and plasticizer in concrete formulations. It also finds use in cosmetics and textile processing as a mild chelating and stabilizing agent.

Safety and handling are generally favorable, as sodium gluconate is regarded as low-toxicity and is widely accepted for food and industrial applications. Standard handling practices for inorganic salts apply.

See also: gluconic acid.