Glukonates

Glukonates are salts or esters of gluconic acid. Gluconic acid itself is a mild organic acid with the chemical formula C6H12O7. It is naturally produced by the oxidation of glucose. Glukonates are formed when gluconic acid reacts with a base or alcohol, respectively.

Common examples of glukonates include calcium glukonate, potassium glukonate, and sodium glukonate. These compounds are often used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Calcium glukonate, for instance, is a common calcium supplement and is also used in emergency medicine to treat certain types of poisoning. Potassium glukonate is a source of potassium, an essential mineral for human health, and is sometimes used to treat hypokalemia. Sodium glukonate can be found in food products as a sequestrant, helping to prevent unwanted reactions between metal ions and food components.

In industrial applications, glukonates can act as chelating agents, binding to metal ions. This property makes them useful in cleaning products, as they can help to remove mineral deposits and prevent scale formation. They are also employed in concrete admixtures to retard setting time and improve workability. The biodegradability of many glukonates makes them an environmentally friendly alternative in various applications.