Gluconic acid

Gluconic acid is an organic compound with the formula HOCH₂(CHOH)₄CO₂H. It is a type of carboxylic acid and is derived from glucose, a type of sugar. Gluconic acid is naturally present in fruit, honey, and wine.

Chemical Structure

Gluconic acid has a chemical structure that consists of a six-carbon chain, with five hydroxyl groups and one carboxyl group. The presence of the carboxyl group makes it an acid. The five hydroxyl groups make it a polyol, a type of alcohol with multiple hydroxyl groups.

Production

Gluconic acid is produced industrially by the fermentation of glucose with the fungus Aspergillus niger. The glucose is oxidized to gluconic acid, with the reduction of oxygen to water. This process is used to produce a variety of gluconate products, including sodium gluconate, calcium gluconate, and potassium gluconate.

Uses

Gluconic acid and its derivatives are used in a variety of applications. They are used as a pH regulator in food and drink, as a cleaning agent in the dairy industry, and as a chelating agent in various industrial applications. In medicine, gluconic acid is used in the form of calcium gluconate and sodium gluconate to treat calcium and sodium deficiencies, respectively.

Health Effects

Gluconic acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea and diarrhea.

See Also

• Carboxylic acid
• Glucose
• Aspergillus niger
• Sodium gluconate
• Calcium gluconate
• Potassium gluconate
• FDA

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