Is sodium gluconate biodegradable?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, aluminum and other heavy metals, surpassing 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 biodegradable (the degradation rate is 98% after 2 days) and there is no wastewater problem.
Sodium gluconate is also a highly efficient set retarder and a good plasticiser / water reducer for concrete, mortar and gypsum.
Sodium gluconate, also known as sodium pentahydroxy organic acid, is a white crystalline particle or powder with a relative molecular weight of 218.14, a melting point of about 206 ℃, a 10% aqueous solution with a pH of 6.2 ~ 7.8. It is easily soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in ether and has a certain salty taste. It is widely used in food, construction, medicine, water treatment, electroplating, development and other industries, especially in the food industry. With the continuous improvement of people’s living standards and health awareness, the requirements for food nutrition and flavor are becoming higher and higher. The food industry is developing towards a healthy road of diversified diet, green food and low consumption.