Glucaric

Glucaric refers to glucaric acid, a hexaric sugar acid derived from glucose. It is commonly called saccharic acid or D-glucaric acid and exists in different stereochemical forms, with the D-enantiomer being the most prominent in nature. Its chemical formula is C6H10O8, and its structure is HOOC-CHOH-CHOH-CHOH-CHOH-COOH, consisting of two terminal carboxyl groups and four internal hydroxyl-bearing carbons.

Production and occurrence

Glucaric acid is produced by the complete oxidation of glucose. Historically this was achieved using strong oxidizing agents, but modern methods include catalytic, enzymatic, or microbial oxidation to afford glucaric acid or its salts. It is also available commercially as calcium glucarate or sodium glucarate, which are used as salts for various applications.

Uses and applications

Glucaric acid serves as a chemical building block and intermediate in organic synthesis, including the preparation of specialty polymers and other derivatives. Its salts, particularly calcium glucarate, are marketed as dietary supplements and are sometimes used in nutraceuticals and food products. In consumer and cosmetic contexts, glucarate salts may appear as ingredients claimed to support detoxification, though such claims are debated in the scientific literature.

Properties

Glucaric acid is a water-soluble crystalline solid and behaves as a diprotic acid due to its two carboxyl groups. It forms various salts with alkali and alkaline earth metals. The compound has several stereoisomers corresponding to the chiral centers in the molecule.

See also

Glucarate, saccharic acids, uronic acids.