Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid, produced by fermentation of glucose. It is a white to tan, granular to fine, crystalline powder, very soluble in water. Non corrosive, non-toxic and readily biodegradable (98 % after 2 days), sodium gluconate is more and more appreciated as chelating agent.
The outstanding property of sodium gluconate is its excellent chelating power, especially in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions. It forms stable chelates with calcium, iron, copper, aluminium and other heavy metals, and in this respect, it surpasses all other chelating agents, such as EDTA, NTA and related compounds.
Aqueous solutions of sodium gluconate are resistant to oxidation and reduction, even at high temperatures. However, it is easily degraded biologically (98 % after 2 days), and thus presents no wastewater problem.
Sodium gluconate is also a highly efficient set retarder and a good plasticiser / water reducer for concrete, mortar and gypsum.
And last but not least, it has the property to inhibit bitterness in foodstuffs.