Sodium gluconate is a chemical compound, the sodium salt of gluconic acid, commercially produced by Aspergillus niger,  from glucose fermentation.

It appears as a white, biodegradable powder, slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Chelating agent. It has the function of preventing unstable reactions and improving the bioavailability of chemical components within a product, and removes calcium and magnesium cations that can cause cloudiness in clear liquids.

Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous. This ingredient has the task of modifying the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry by reducing its flakiness and restoring its elasticity.

Medical

It is assumed that sodium gluconate may exert a protective activity in the colon (1).

Food

Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E576 with the function of acidity regulator, acidifier, coagulant, fining agent. It can be used as a biodegradable and natural salt.

Other uses

• animal feed (2)
• in construction to retard the setting of white cement, Portland cement and concrete
• detergents
• improves growth in common carp farms and chicken chicks
• bottle washing agent in the food industry
• corrosion inhibition of steel and ferrous materials (3)

• Molecular Formula     C₆H₁₁NaO₇ 
• Molecular Weight    218.14
• CAS   527-07-1    14906-97-9
• UNII    R6Q3791S76
• EC Number   208-407-7

Synonyms:

 Sodium D-gluconate, D-Gluconic acid sodium salt, D-Gluconate sodium salt, sodium (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Kameue, C., Tsukahara, T., Yamada, K., Koyama, H., Iwasaki, Y., Nakayama, K. and Ushida, K., 2004. Dietary sodium gluconate protects rats from large bowel cancer by stimulating butyrate production. The Journal of nutrition, 134(4), pp.940-944.

(2) Junqueira, O.M., Duarte, K.F., Garcia, E.A., Sgavioli, S., Praes, M.F.F.M. and Molino, A.D.B., 2012. Effect of sodium gluconate on performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphometry of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age. Acta Scientiarum. Animal Sciences, 34, pp.35-40.

(3) Serdaroğlu, G., Kaya, S. and Touir, R., 2020. Eco-friendly sodium gluconate and trisodium citrate inhibitors for low carbon steel in simulated cooling water system: Theoretical study and molecular dynamic simulations. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 319, p.114108.