Glucose14lactone

Glucose1,4lactone, also known as glucono-1,4-lactone or GDL, is a naturally occurring cyclic ester of gluconic acid. It is a white crystalline powder that is odorless and soluble in water. In aqueous solutions, GDL undergoes slow hydrolysis to form gluconic acid, which is a weak acid. This slow release of acid is a key property that makes GDL useful in various applications. It is produced industrially by the oxidation of glucose.

GDL is commonly used as a food additive, designated by the E number E575. In the food industry, it serves as a leavening agent in baking, a coagulant for tofu and dairy products, and an acidulant in dressings, sauces, and beverages. Its slow acid release allows for more controlled reactions compared to faster-acting acids. In cosmetics, GDL is utilized for its exfoliating and moisturizing properties due to its gentle acidic nature. It can also be found in some pharmaceutical preparations. The conversion of GDL to gluconic acid is pH-dependent, with higher pH values accelerating the hydrolysis.