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D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone, also called GDL, gluconolactone and D-glucono-1,5-lactone, is the cyclic ester of D-gluconic acid with CAS 90-80-2 and formula C6H10O6, used in food acidification, protein coagulation, leavening, cosmetic formulations and laboratory research. Its gradual conversion into gluconic acid makes the lactone useful when acidification must develop over time rather than through an immediate addition of free acid. On contact with water, the ring opens and the resulting acid changes pH according to concentration, temperature, buffering and elapsed time.
CAS No: 90-80-2
EC No: 202-016-5
Molecular formula: C6H10O6
Molecular weight: approx. 178.14 g/mol
Appearance: White to nearly white crystalline powder
Odor: Nearly odorless
Taste: Initially slightly sweet, becoming acidic in water
Water solubility: Freely soluble, with hydrolysis
Ethanol solubility: Sparingly soluble
Melting behavior: Reported approx. 153-160 °C, with decomposition
WHAT IS D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE?
D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL, CAS 90-80-2) is a water-soluble sugar-acid lactone used as a gradual acidifier, food-processing aid and cosmetic ingredient. Under the name gluconolactone, the same substance is used in polyhydroxy acid skincare and selected pharmaceutical or laboratory applications.
In aqueous systems, the lactone produces D-gluconic acid through hydrolysis. This allows acidification to be coordinated with mixing, heating and gel formation, although it does not create a guaranteed neutral waiting period after dissolution.
Industrial GDL is obtained by crystallization from gluconic acid solution. The acid can be produced through microbial or enzyme-mediated oxidation of glucose, followed by purification and concentration. Feedstock origin and certification must be established for the offered grade rather than inferred from the glucose chemistry.
Food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and analytical products may have the same chemical identity while differing in assay basis, particle size, impurities, microbiological requirements and documentation. A pharmacopoeial reference standard is not automatically a production excipient, and a laboratory reagent is not automatically food grade.
The D designation describes stereochemical configuration, while (+) denotes positive optical rotation under defined conditions. Neither part of the name establishes a purity grade.
COMMON PRODUCT & CHEMICAL NAMES OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE:
D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone
D-(+)-Glucono-δ-lactone
D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
D-Gluconic acid delta-lactone
Glucono-delta-lactone
Gluconolactone
Delta-gluconolactone
GDL
E575
INS 575
The chemical names identify the 1,5-lactone of D-gluconic acid, GDL is the customary abbreviation, and E575 and INS 575 are food-additive identifiers. Gluconolactone is also the INCI name. A USP or other grade designation describes conformity to a standard rather than a different molecule.
Gluconic acid is the open-chain acid, gamma-gluconolactone has a different ring closure, and glucuronolactone belongs to glucuronic acid chemistry. Sodium gluconate and other gluconate salts must also be distinguished from the lactone.
CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
Product name: D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone
Common abbreviation: GDL
Chemical name: D-Glucono-1,5-lactone
INCI name: Gluconolactone
Food additive number: E575 / INS 575
CAS No: 90-80-2
EC / EINECS No: 202-016-5
Molecular formula: C6H10O6
Molecular weight: approx. 178.14 g/mol
Chemical class: Polyhydroxylated sugar-acid lactone
Main functions: Gradual acidification, protein coagulation, leavening-acid contribution and cosmetic conditioning
These identifiers establish GDL identity, but do not establish a food authorization for every category, a pharmaceutical manufacturing grade or a finished cosmetic's suitability. Specifications and supply-chain documents must match the actual application.
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR PROPERTIES OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
The molecule contains a six-membered lactone ring with an ester carbonyl, three hydroxyl groups on the ring and a hydroxymethyl substituent. The delta or 1,5 designation identifies closure between the acid carbon and the oxygen associated with carbon 5.
Multiple hydroxyl groups give gluconolactone strong affinity for water. The cyclic ester is chemically different from the free carboxylic acid formed during hydrolysis, so dry powder and an aged aqueous solution do not have the same composition.
HOW DOES D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?
Water opens the lactone ring to form gluconic acid, and an equilibrium involving acid and lactone forms develops. Dissolution and hydrolysis overlap rather than occurring in perfectly separate stages.
In a protein system, the pH decrease changes charge interactions and can promote acid-induced aggregation and gelation. In a leavening system, the generated acid reacts with bicarbonate to release carbon dioxide. Gluconate formed according to pH and equilibrium can also bind certain metal ions.
Main functions:
Developing acidity over time
Promoting acid-set protein gels
Contributing acid equivalents to bicarbonate leavening
Providing gluconate-related sequestration
Supporting formulation-dependent cosmetic conditioning
The GDL response depends on temperature, initial pH, buffer capacity, concentration, mixing and time. A recipe giving smooth tofu does not establish the same acidification curve in milk, meat or a cosmetic serum.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
General technical characteristics:
Physical appearance: Fine white to nearly white crystalline powder
Odor: Nearly odorless
Chemical character: Lactone that hydrolyzes to gluconic acid
Molecular formula: C6H10O6
Molecular weight: approx. 178.14 g/mol
CAS No: 90-80-2
EC No: 202-016-5
Assay: A published EU food-additive specification requires at least 99.0% on an anhydrous basis
Water: The same published specification sets a maximum of 0.2%
Reducing substances: The same published specification sets a maximum of 0.5%, expressed as D-glucose
Lead: The same published specification sets a maximum of 1 mg/kg
Water solubility: Freely soluble, with hydrolysis
Ethanol solubility: Sparingly soluble
Melting behavior: Reference values approx. 153-160 °C, with decomposition
Optical rotation: Positive, with the measured value dependent on concentration, temperature and time after dissolution
Published specification limits are retained as limits rather than described as typical batch results. Other standards may use different methods or limits, so GDL conformity must be assessed against the requested edition and market.
For aqueous gluconolactone, a pH result without concentration, temperature and measurement time is incomplete. Buffering and hydrolysis change the pH trajectory, so no universal initial or final pH is assigned here.
Optical rotation also changes as the solution composition evolves. The (+) designation is meaningful, but an isolated value such as +65° should not be presented as a complete acceptance test without its measurement conditions.
Particle size affects dissolution and dosing, while moisture exposure can promote caking and changes in free-acid content. Bulk density depends on granulation and packing and should not be treated as one universal molecular property.
For the offered GDL grade's particle-size distribution, bulk density and current batch criteria, please contact Ataman Kimya. These indicative properties do not constitute an independent contractual specification.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE IN CONTROLLED ACIDIFICATION AND GEL RESEARCH
The gradual pH change makes GDL useful for studying acid-set protein systems and other pH-responsive materials. Record concentration, preparation age, mixing, temperature and the starting material's buffer capacity to make comparisons meaningful.
The free lactone should not be confused with phosphorylated metabolites involved in the pentose phosphate pathway. Biochemical functions and enzyme inhibition must be verified for the exact compound and assay rather than inferred from a similar name.
SECTORS AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
The lactone's main practical advantage is its capacity to develop acidity after hydration, with different sectors using that behavior for different purposes.
Main areas of use:
Tofu and other acid-set protein foods
Dairy and cheese applications where permitted
Bakery and leavening systems
Selected meat-processing applications
Cosmetic and personal-care formulations
Pharmaceutical manufacture and laboratory research
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE IN SOY AND DAIRY GELS
Purpose: Develop a controlled acid-set structure.
Function: Generate acid in the aqueous protein phase.
Performance effect: Influence setting time, firmness and water retention.
Limitations: Protein composition, heat history, dosage and temperature determine texture and taste.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE IN LEAVENING
Purpose: Supply acid for carbon dioxide release.
Function: React after hydrolysis with bicarbonate in a designed acid-base system.
Performance effect: Contribute to gas-release timing and product structure.
Limitations: Moisture during storage, acid balance and baking conditions require control.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE IN COSMETICS
Purpose: Provide polyhydroxy acid and conditioning functions.
Function: Participate in a pH-controlled aqueous formulation as gluconolactone.
Performance effect: Support formulation-dependent exfoliation and skin feel.
Limitations: Tolerance and claims must be established for the finished product, with pH drift and preservation assessed.
IS D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE USED IN COSMETIC, FOOD, AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS?
Food use is established under E575 and INS 575. EU permissions depend on the specific food category and conditions, including quantum satis where applicable. In the United States, 21 CFR 184.1318 covers specified food uses under current good manufacturing practice. Neither framework makes every GDL application unrestricted.
JECFA established a group ADI described as not specified for GDL and certain gluconates, excluding ferrous gluconate. This is not a recommendation for unlimited intake and does not replace good manufacturing practice.
Cosmetic gluconolactone is used as a polyhydroxy acid ingredient. A food-grade certificate alone does not validate a cosmetic's safety, preservative system or skin claims.
Pharmaceutical uses require the appropriate manufacturing quality and documentation. The lactone is included in a labeled prescription irrigation medicine with other ingredients, but this does not authorize preparation or administration of a raw-material solution. A pharmacopoeial analytical standard is not automatically intended for human administration.
WHICH PROBLEMS CAN D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE HELP SOLVE?
Local over-acidification during mixing
GDL can allow more controlled acid development than direct free-acid addition, but good dispersion is still necessary.
Variable protein-gel texture
Controlling the lactone dose and pH-time curve can improve process comparison. Protein and heat-treatment variations must also be controlled.
Need for a dry leavening acid source
The crystalline lactone can be incorporated into suitable dry systems, provided moisture protection and acid-base balance are addressed.
Drift in cosmetic acidity
Understanding gluconolactone hydrolysis helps design monitoring and pH adjustment. The ingredient alone does not stabilize the whole formula.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
A frequent error is treating an aged GDL solution as equivalent to freshly dissolved powder. Hydrolysis begins on contact with water, so solution age becomes part of the formulation history.
Define concentration, temperature and elapsed time for pH measurements.
Validate solution preparation and holding conditions.
Select food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or analytical quality for the intended use.
Account for buffering rather than calculating final pH from dose alone.
Keep powder dry and reseal opened containers.
Confirm local application conditions before setting production dosage.
Use suitable dust control, eye protection and protective gloves when handling gluconolactone. Avoid creating airborne powder, and assess concentrated solutions according to their actual acidity.
INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
These compositions are illustrative starting points and are not validated commercial recipes. Percentages are by weight of the complete mixture. Food and cosmetic examples require the corresponding grade, application assessment and finished-product validation.
EXAMPLE 1: D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE IN A SILKEN-TOFU DEVELOPMENT SCREEN
Components:
Standardized, appropriately heat-treated soymilk: 99.74%
D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone, food grade: 0.26%
Total: 100.00%
The GDL level corresponds to a published manufacturer's tofu comparison, but the soymilk composition and process remain development variables.
Evaluation criteria:
pH development at defined times
Setting time and gel firmness
Water retention and syneresis
Texture and flavor
Food-safety and microbiological process validation
Safety note: Acidification alone does not establish a safe food process or storage life. Soy allergen control and the validated heat and hygiene program remain necessary.
EXAMPLE 2: D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE IN AN AQUEOUS PHA FORMULATION SCREEN
Components:
Purified water: 87.20%
D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone, cosmetic grade: 4.00%
Glycerin: 3.00%
Sodium hydroxide solution, 10% by weight: 5.00%
Phenoxyethanol/ethylhexylglycerin preservative blend: 0.80%
Total: 100.00%
The alkali solution is a nominal development charge, equivalent to 0.50% sodium hydroxide before reaction. It is not a guaranteed final pH or free-alkali content. After a defined equilibration period, assess a provisional pH target of approximately 3.8-4.2 and adjust the actual charge against water to preserve a 100% total.
Evaluation criteria:
Measured pH and subsequent pH drift
Clarity, odor and color
Preservative efficacy and microbiological quality
Packaging compatibility
Finished-product safety and tolerance under appropriate protocols
Safety note: Alkali handling requires trained personnel and suitable protection. Do not apply an unvalidated mixture to skin. Preservative suitability and the pH target require confirmation for the actual formulation.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE SIMILAR PRODUCTS AND ALTERNATIVES
Compare alternatives according to whether the main requirement is acidification timing, coagulation, leavening or cosmetic performance.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE AND GLUCONIC ACID
The free acid provides a more immediate acid contribution. It is not an equal-dose substitute when GDL hydrolysis timing is central to the process.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE AND STARTER CULTURES
Cultures produce acidity biologically and may change flavor and fermentation behavior. Direct lactone acidification and microbial fermentation are different processes.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE AND CALCIUM OR MAGNESIUM COAGULANTS
Mineral coagulants act through ionic interactions rather than the same gradual acidification mechanism. Texture and dose must be compared in the actual protein system.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE AND OTHER HYDROXY ACIDS
Lactobionic, lactic and glycolic acids have different structures and formulation behavior. Relative mildness cannot be guaranteed from the ingredient family alone.
Confirm each substitution through laboratory and application trials.
QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA FOR D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
Define the application and applicable GDL standard before comparing quotations.
Information to clarify and review before purchasing:
CAS 90-80-2 and EC 202-016-5
Food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or analytical use
Required standard and edition
Assay and calculation basis
Water, reducing substances and relevant metal limits
Particle size, caking and dissolution behavior
Microbiological requirements where applicable
Batch COA, TDS and current local SDS
Required certificates, packaging and traceability
A COA reports batch results or conformity, a TDS describes product characteristics and an SDS communicates safety and handling. An origin or certification claim requires the corresponding document for the offered grade.
Grade, specification, documentation, order size, packaging and logistics affect GDL price comparisons. For a current quotation and availability, please contact Ataman Kimya.
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
Store the lactone in a tightly closed original container, protected from moisture and excessive heat. A published manufacturer's guidance uses a maximum storage temperature of approximately 30 °C, but the offered grade's conditions and shelf life must be confirmed individually.
Reseal GDL packs promptly and avoid contaminating dry powder with wet utensils. Caked or long-stored material should be assessed for conformity rather than assumed equivalent to fresh powder.
Prepare aqueous gluconolactone solutions according to a validated holding-time procedure. Fresh preparation may be useful where hydrolysis timing matters, but immediate use is not a universal requirement for every buffered or equilibrated formulation.
A reviewed food-grade SDS reports the product as not regulated as dangerous goods in the listed transport modes. No UN number is assigned on that basis, subject to confirmation for the delivered grade. Collect spills without raising dust and dispose of residues under local requirements.
SAFETY INFORMATION OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
Reviewed supplier documents describe GDL products without a hazardous classification under their stated systems. This does not establish the exact label for every formulation or grade. For current local CLP classification and any applicable H statements, please contact Ataman Kimya.
Powder and acidic solutions still require appropriate handling. Avoid inhaling dust, protect the eyes and use suitable gloves. Rinse exposed eyes promptly with water, wash contaminated skin and seek medical advice for persistent symptoms or significant exposure.
Assess dust accumulation and ignition risks according to the material and operation rather than claiming a universal dust-explosion rating. Large releases should not enter drains or waterways. Manage waste and contaminated packaging through appropriate local procedures.
Food permission and an ADI described as not specified are use-specific risk-assessment concepts. They do not mean that unlimited GDL consumption or any industrial grade is acceptable.
SUPPLY OF D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE FROM ATAMAN KIMYA
For GDL inquiries, contact Ataman Kimya with the intended use, required standard and quantity. Confirm the offered grade, origin, documentation, packaging and delivery conditions at quotation stage.
Sharing the following information in a quotation request helps evaluate the correct product:
Application and destination market
Required grade and standard
Assay, impurity and particle-size requirements
Certification and document needs
Quantity, packaging and requested delivery
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE
What is D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone?
GDL is the cyclic 1,5-ester of D-gluconic acid, used for gradual acidification and other grade-dependent applications.
What does D-(+) mean?
D describes configuration, while (+) indicates positive optical rotation under stated measurement conditions.
What is the CAS number of D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone?
The CAS number is 90-80-2.
What is the EC number of D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone?
The EC number is 202-016-5.
What are the formula and molecular weight?
GDL has formula C6H10O6 and molecular weight approximately 178.14 g/mol.
What is the food-additive identifier?
The food identifiers are E575 and INS 575.
What is the cosmetic INCI name?
The INCI name is Gluconolactone.
Does GDL remain completely neutral after dissolution?
No. Hydrolysis begins in water and the pH trajectory depends on the system.
Does every GDL solution reach the same pH?
No. Concentration, temperature, buffering and solution age affect measured pH.
Is GDL freely soluble in water?
Yes. Dissolution is accompanied by hydrolysis.
Can GDL replace a starter culture directly?
Not without process redesign. Chemical acidification does not reproduce all fermentation functions.
Does GDL alone preserve tofu or meat safely?
No. Food safety requires a validated overall process.
Does an INCI name establish pharmaceutical suitability?
No. Pharmaceutical manufacture requires appropriate grade and documentation.
Does ADI not specified mean unlimited use?
No. Appropriate technical need, manufacturing practice and application rules still apply.
Can GDL stock solutions be prepared in advance?
Only with a defined and validated holding procedure that accounts for hydrolysis and stability.
Which documents should be requested for GDL?
Request the current TDS, local SDS, batch COA and application-specific conformity documents.
D-(+)-GLUCONO-DELTA-LACTONE - TECHNICAL SUMMARY
D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone, abbreviated GDL and also called gluconolactone, is the 1,5-lactone of D-gluconic acid. Its identifiers are CAS 90-80-2, EC 202-016-5 and formula C6H10O6.
Water converts the lactone into an equilibrium mixture containing gluconic acid, producing time-dependent acidification. Concentration, temperature, buffering and mixing determine the practical response.
Uses include acid-set foods, leavening systems, cosmetic formulations and controlled gel research. Pharmaceutical applications require their own grade and manufacturing documentation.
Food identifiers E575 and INS 575 and the INCI name Gluconolactone describe uses or naming conventions, not a guarantee that every commercial grade is interchangeable. Assay, moisture, reducing substances and particle size remain important.
Protect dry GDL from moisture, define solution holding conditions and validate finished products. Ataman Kimya can clarify the offered grade and supply documentation.
D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone can be sourced from ATAMAN KİMYA. For further information and supply inquiries about D-(+)-Glucono-delta-lactone, please contact ATAMAN KİMYA.
