Cupric gluconate

Cupric gluconate is a chemical compound used in various industries, including the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, and agriculture. It is a copper salt of D-gluconic acid and is recognized for its role in human and animal nutrition.

Chemical Properties

Cupric gluconate is a blue-green crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Its chemical formula is C12H22CuO14, and its molar mass is 453.84 g/mol. It has a melting point of 210 degrees Celsius and decomposes upon heating.

Uses

Cupric gluconate is used in a variety of applications due to its properties.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, cupric gluconate is used as a dietary supplement to treat or prevent copper deficiency, a condition that can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and osteoporosis. It is also used in some types of parenteral nutrition.

Food Industry

In the food industry, cupric gluconate is used as a food additive and colorant. It is also used as a source of copper in food fortification programs.

Agriculture

In agriculture, cupric gluconate is used as a micronutrient in animal feed and as a fungicide in crop protection.

Safety

Cupric gluconate is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

See Also

• Copper
• D-gluconic acid
• Copper deficiency
• Copper toxicity