E576 SODIUM GLUCONATE

E576 Sodium Gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid, produced by the fermentation of glucose using microorganisms such as Aspergillus niger or Gluconobacter oxidans followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide, presenting as a white to tan, odorless, crystalline powder or free-flowing granules that is freely soluble in water, readily biodegradable (>98% after 2 days), non-toxic, and non-corrosive, valued for its outstanding chelating properties especially in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions where it surpasses other chelating agents such as EDTA and NTA.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used across a wide range of industries including food, construction, industrial cleaning, water treatment, metal surface treatment, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, primarily functioning as a chelating agent, sequestrant, set retarder, water reducer, pH buffer, bitterness masking agent, corrosion inhibitor, and stabilizer.
E576 Sodium Gluconate forms stable chelates with calcium, iron, copper, aluminium, and other heavy metals, and these chelating properties are retained even at extremely high temperatures and strong pH levels, making it an outstanding and environmentally friendly alternative to EDTA, NTA, and phosphonate-based chelating agents in both food and industrial applications.

CAS Number: 527-07-1
EC Number: 208-407-7
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₁NaO₇
Molecular Weight: 218.14 g/mol

Synonyms: Sodium Gluconate, Monosodium Gluconate, Sodium D-Gluconate, D-Gluconic Acid Sodium Salt, D-Gluconic Acid Monosodium Salt, Sodium (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate, Gluconic Acid Sodium Salt, Sodium Salt of D-Gluconic Acid, E576, E 576, CAS 527-07-1, MFCD00064210

E576 Sodium Gluconate has the IUPAC name Sodium (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate and a chemical structure containing five hydroxyl groups and a carboxylate group linked to a sodium ion, giving it high water solubility, strong metal-binding capacity in alkaline environments, and excellent thermal and chemical stability in aqueous solutions.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is approved as a food additive in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 with E number E576, compliant with REACH, ECOCERT, and COSMOS standards, and classified as not hazardous under EC 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation), with no H-phrases or GHS hazard statements, confirming its outstanding safety and environmental profile.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is readily biodegradable — more than 98% within 2 days under OECD 301E — which is a key advantage over synthetic chelating agents such as EDTA and STPP, making it highly preferred in environmentally conscious food, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.
E576 Sodium Gluconate aqueous solutions are resistant to oxidation and reduction even at high temperatures, do not present wastewater problems due to rapid biodegradation, and are non-corrosive to equipment, making them fully compatible with most other chemical additives including lignosulfonates.

Uses of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in the food industry as a sequestrant that chelates undesirable metal ions to prevent their interference with the color, flavor, and stability of food products, as a pH buffer in beverages, and as a taste improver that masks off-notes, reduces bitterness, and suppresses the metallic aftertaste of artificial sweeteners such as stevia, soybean protein, minerals, and caffeine.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in dairy products, cheese, and confectionery at concentrations of 0.1–0.5% as a stabilizer that controls process water hardness and prevents undesirable mineral precipitation, and at 0.2–1% in gels as a stabilizer; in beverages it is used at 1–3% of the sweetener weight for bitterness masking.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in meat products as a stabilizer that increases meat water-binding capacity and improves firmness and sliceability, and it serves as a replacement for phosphates in meat formulations.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in soft drinks, sauces, baked goods, canned goods, sausage products, and other food products as a sequestrant, acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, and flavor enhancer that contributes to maintaining product quality and extending shelf life.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in the construction industry as a highly effective set retarder and plasticizer/water reducer in concrete admixtures at dosage rates of 0.05–0.30% by weight of cementitious material, where it extends workability time during hot weather and long transportation, reduces the water-cement ratio for higher strength and durability, delays initial setting time for difficult pours, and allows concrete to work at temperatures up to 170°C in oil well applications.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in ready-mixed concrete, pumped concrete, large fluidity concrete, large volume concrete, and high-strength performance concrete to improve processability and workability without sacrificing ultimate strength, and it extends the working time of prepared mortar for masonry applications.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in industrial cleaning and metal surface treatment as an alkaline cleaner and sequestrant in caustic soda-based cleaning solutions for bottle washing (2–12% depending on soil load and water hardness), metal parts cleaning, and steel surface treatment prior to electroplating, tin plating, nickel plating, and stainless steel surface treatment, where it prevents re-deposition of soils by chelating ions released from the metal surface.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in the electroplating industry as a bath stabilizer and in the textile dyeing and printing industry at 0.5–2.0 g/L to remove water hardness from dye baths, preventing metal ions in hard water from reacting with reactive dyes and ensuring brighter, more homogeneous colors with improved color fastness.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in industrial water treatment at 10–50 ppm in circulating cooling water, low-pressure boilers, and internal combustion engine cooling water systems as a corrosion inhibitor and scale preventer that binds calcium, magnesium, and iron ions, preventing mineral deposit formation and corrosion in pipes and equipment.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in pharmaceutical applications as an excipient, buffer, and pH adjuster in syrups, suspensions, swallowable and orally dispersible tablets, and hard capsules, and it plays a physiological role in regulating acid-base balance in the human body, maintaining extracellular osmotic pressure, and supporting normal neuromuscular function.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in cosmetics and personal care products including face creams, soaps, shampoos, shower gels, and toothpaste as a chelating agent, skin conditioning agent, and ECOCERT/COSMOS-compliant biodegradable alternative to EDTA, where it enhances formula stability and homogeneity and is compatible with surfactants, preservatives, and moisturizing agents.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is used in household and industrial detergents as a chelating and sequestering agent that softens hard water by binding calcium and magnesium ions, boosting the effectiveness of other cleaning components and improving cleaning capacity and stability; it is also used in adhesives, oils, lubricants, fertilizers, and plastics production as a stabilizer, property modifier, and micronutrient delivery agent.

Benefits or Advantages of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
E576 Sodium Gluconate has outstanding chelating power in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions that surpasses all other chelating agents including EDTA, NTA, and related compounds, forming stable chelates with calcium, iron, copper, aluminium, and other heavy metals even at very high temperatures and strong pH conditions.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is readily biodegradable by more than 98% within just 2 days under OECD 301E test conditions, presenting no wastewater or environmental problems, making it a superior eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to synthetic chelating agents such as EDTA and NTA that are persistent in the environment.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-deliquescent, classified as not hazardous under GHS/CLP, and has no H-phrases, making it safe for workers, consumers, and food contact applications with minimal handling precautions required.
E576 Sodium Gluconate significantly enhances the workability, density, and durability of concrete structures when used as a set retarder and water reducer in concrete admixtures, reducing the water-cement ratio for higher strength while extending setting time for large-scale and hot-weather applications.

E576 Sodium Gluconate has the unique ability to mask bitterness and metallic aftertastes from artificial sweeteners, minerals, and caffeine in food and beverage formulations, providing flavor modulation and off-note masking functionality that improves the sensory profile of the final product.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is compatible with ECOCERT and COSMOS natural and organic certification standards, making it suitable for use in certified natural cosmetic and cleaning product formulations requiring biodegradable, non-synthetic chelating agents.

Features of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
E576 Sodium Gluconate is a white to tan, odorless crystalline powder or free-flowing granules with a characteristic slightly salty taste, density of approximately 1.80 g/cm³ at 20°C, melting point of 175–180°C (decomposition begins), freely soluble in water (58–59 g/100 mL at 25°C), slightly soluble in ethanol and diethyl ether, and a pH of 6.5–7.5 in 10% aqueous solution indicating its near-neutral character.
E576 Sodium Gluconate aqueous solutions are resistant to oxidation and reduction even at high temperatures; the product is chemically stable, non-corrosive to equipment, non-deliquescent under normal storage conditions, and has good thermal stability.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is available as food grade (E576), industrial grade, pharmaceutical grade, and cosmetic grade (ECOCERT/COSMOS-compliant), in purity of ≥98.0–99.5% on a dry basis, and is packaged in 25 kg kraft paper bags with PE liner or 1,000 kg big bags.
E576 Sodium Gluconate was originally derived from gluconic acid in the 19th century and its early uses were primarily in medicine; over time its applications expanded to food, construction, textiles, cleaning, water treatment, and cosmetics as its versatile chelating, buffering, and safety properties became more widely recognized.

Chemical Properties of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
E576 Sodium Gluconate has the molecular formula C₆H₁₁NaO₇ (NaC₆H₁₁O₇), molecular weight 218.14 g/mol, IUPAC name Sodium (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate, and is structurally a linear six-carbon polyhydroxy carboxylate with five hydroxyl groups and a sodium carboxylate group, derived from D-gluconic acid.
E576 Sodium Gluconate forms stable chelate complexes with di- and trivalent metal ions such as Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺/³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Al³⁺ through its multiple hydroxyl and carboxylate groups; this chelating ability is particularly strong in alkaline environments and at elevated temperatures where competing chelating agents lose effectiveness.

E576 Sodium Gluconate is chemically stable in aqueous solution across a wide pH and temperature range; it is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and concentrated acids in industrial processes, but does not react dangerously under recommended food-grade or industrial-grade handling conditions.
E576 Sodium Gluconate thermal decomposition begins at approximately 175–180°C and may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sodium oxide, and irritating organic fumes; under normal food and industrial processing temperatures it is completely stable.

Production of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
E576 Sodium Gluconate is produced commercially by controlled fermentation of glucose (corn sugar) using specific bacterial or fungal strains, primarily Aspergillus niger and Gluconobacter oxidans, which oxidize glucose to gluconic acid, followed by neutralization of the gluconic acid solution with sodium hydroxide, filtration, and spray-drying or crystallization to yield the final product.
E576 Sodium Gluconate can also be produced by a chemical synthesis route in which gluconic acid solution is obtained by reacting calcium gluconate with sulfuric acid, then neutralizing with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), filtering, and drying in a spray dryer; corn starch is the major source of glucose, and genetically modified corn is often used as the starting material.

E576 Sodium Gluconate quality is controlled through verification of purity (≥98–99.5%), loss on drying (≤1.0%), reducing sugars as glucose (≤1.0%), chloride (≤0.05%), sulfate (≤0.05%), heavy metals (≤10 ppm as Pb), lead (≤2 ppm), arsenic (≤1 ppm), and pH of 10% aqueous solution (6.5–7.5).
E576 Sodium Gluconate has a shelf life of 24 months in original sealed packaging under proper storage conditions; after opening, packaging must be tightly resealed to protect from moisture absorption.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Handling of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
E576 Sodium Gluconate should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices and in compliance with the applicable Safety Data Sheet.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is not classified as a hazardous substance; handling requires basic precautions including avoiding dust inhalation, eye contact, and keeping the container tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption.

SDS of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Stability and Reactivity of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Chemical stability:
E576 Sodium Gluconate is stable under normal storage and handling conditions.

Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
E576 Sodium Gluconate may react with strong oxidizing agents and concentrated acids.

Conditions to avoid:
Moisture and humid conditions (hygroscopic; may absorb moisture and cake).
Direct sunlight.
Contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Contact with concentrated strong acids.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Concentrated strong acids.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Sodium oxide (Na₂O).
Irritating organic fumes (under thermal decomposition above 175–180°C).

Handling and Storage of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes.
Wash hands after handling.
Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place at ambient temperature.
Keep away from moisture, direct sunlight, and incompatible materials.
Keep containers tightly sealed; E576 Sodium Gluconate is hygroscopic and may absorb moisture on prolonged exposure.
Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging under proper storage conditions.
Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bag with PE liner; 1,000 kg big bag.

First Aid Measures of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air.
If dust causes respiratory irritation, seek medical advice.

Skin contact:
Wash with soap and water.
E576 Sodium Gluconate is non-irritating under normal conditions.

Eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
E576 Sodium Gluconate is non-toxic; it is a food additive approved at quantum satis.
Rinse mouth with water; drink water.
Seek medical advice if large amounts are ingested or discomfort occurs.

Firefighting Measures of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.

Specific hazards:
E576 Sodium Gluconate is not flammable under normal conditions; thermal decomposition above 175–180°C may produce sodium oxide, carbon oxides, and irritating fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Personal precautions:
Avoid inhalation of dust; wear appropriate dust mask.
Prevent contact with moisture.

Environmental precautions:
E576 Sodium Gluconate is readily biodegradable and of low environmental concern; prevent large quantities from entering waterways.

Methods for cleaning up:
Sweep or vacuum dry spilled material into labeled waste containers; avoid creating dust.
Dispose according to local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of E576 Sodium Gluconate:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation where dust is generated during weighing, mixing, or bagging.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses or goggles where dust generation is possible.

Hand protection:
Gloves recommended for prolonged handling.

Respiratory protection:
Wear a dust respirator (NIOSH-approved) where dust generation cannot be avoided.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands thoroughly after handling E576 Sodium Gluconate and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Identifiers of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
CAS Number: 527-07-1
EC Number: 208-407-7
ECHA InfoCard: 100.007.644
E Number: E576
IUPAC Name: Sodium (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₁NaO₇
Molecular Weight: 218.14 g/mol
MDL Number: MFCD00064210
Merck Index: 12,08766
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous (no H-phrases)
US FDA: GRAS; sequestrant in food
EU: Approved food additive E576 (Regulation EC 1333/2008)
Regulatory Compliance: REACH; ECOCERT; COSMOS
Biodegradability: >98% within 2 days (OECD 301E)

Properties of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
Physical state: Solid (powder or granules)
Appearance: White to tan, odorless crystalline powder or free-flowing granules
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Slightly salty, characteristic
Molecular weight: 218.14 g/mol
Density: ~1.80 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
Melting point: 175–180°C (decomposition begins; lit. 170–175°C)
Solubility in water: Freely soluble; 58–59 g/100 mL at 25°C
Solubility in ethanol: Slightly soluble
Solubility in diethyl ether: Slightly soluble
pH (10% aqueous solution): 6.5–7.5
Biodegradability: >98% within 2 days (OECD 301E)
Oxidation/reduction stability: Stable in aqueous solution even at high temperatures
GHS Classification: Not classified (no H-phrases)

Specifications of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
Product name: E576 Sodium Gluconate
CAS Number: 527-07-1
EC Number: 208-407-7
E Number: E576
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₁NaO₇
Molecular Weight: 218.14 g/mol
Assay/Purity (dry basis): ≥98.0–99.5%
Loss on drying: ≤1.0%
Reducing sugars (as glucose): ≤1.0%
Chloride (Cl): ≤0.05%
Sulfate (SO₄): ≤0.05%
Lead (Pb): ≤2.0 ppm
Arsenic (As): ≤1.0 ppm
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤10 ppm
pH (10% solution): 6.5–7.5
Appearance: White to tan crystalline powder or granules
Biodegradability: >98% within 2 days (OECD 301E)
Grades: Food grade (E576); Industrial grade; Pharmaceutical grade; Cosmetic grade (ECOCERT/COSMOS)
Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bag with PE liner; 1,000 kg big bag
Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging

Names of E576 Sodium Gluconate:
E576 Sodium Gluconate
Sodium Gluconate
Monosodium Gluconate
Sodium D-Gluconate
D-Gluconic Acid Sodium Salt
D-Gluconic Acid Monosodium Salt
Sodium (2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate
Gluconic Acid Sodium Salt
Sodium Salt of D-Gluconic Acid
E576
E 576
CAS 527-07-1