glukonat

Glukonát, or gluconate, is the salt form of gluconic acid. It consists of the gluconate anion combined with various counterions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Gluconates are water-soluble and act as mild chelating agents, capable of binding metal ions, and as buffering or stabilizing agents in different formulations.

Common forms of glukonát include sodium gluconate, potassium gluconate, calcium gluconate, and magnesium gluconate. These salts are used across industries and applications due to their chemical stability, biodegradability, and relative safety. Sodium and potassium gluconates are frequently employed as food additives and mineral supplements, while calcium and magnesium gluconates are used to address nutrient deficiencies and in medical contexts. In the cleaning and detergent industry, gluconates serve as biodegradable chelating agents that help sequester hardness ions like calcium and magnesium to improve cleaning performance.

Production of gluconates typically involves the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid, followed by neutralization with a base to form the corresponding salt. Industrial routes may use microbial oxidation or chemical oxidation, with subsequent salt formation and purification steps.

Medical and pharmaceutical uses are notable for calcium gluconate, which is administered to treat calcium deficiencies and to stabilize cardiac membranes in certain emergency situations; potassium gluconate is used as an oral electrolyte supplement. While generally regarded as safe for approved uses, gluconates can cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals or with improper dosing.

In summary, gluconate is a versatile, widely used salt of gluconic acid with applications in food, medicine, and industry as a mild chelating and stabilizing agent.