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Copper gluconate takes shape as a vibrant blue-green compound, packing more than color—it brings together copper, an essential trace element, and gluconic acid, a derivative that follows from glucose. Its chemical formula reads C12H22CuO14, with copper lending both character and utility across many industries. Usually found as a solid, copper gluconate comes as a fine powder, crystalline pieces, even pressed into dry flakes or granules for easier measurement and blending. Some suppliers offer it dissolved as a blue-tinted liquid, making it adaptable for different processes, whether it’s blending nutrition supplements, adding trace minerals to animal feeds, or formulating skin care solutions.
Look at a sample and the first thing that jumps out is the color. It’s not the bright copper or the clear white many expect from chemical additives. Instead, copper gluconate usually appears greenish-blue in solid crystal form. The solid comes in several shapes—dense powders, chunky crystalline flakes, irregular pearls, and sometimes as a solution. The standard density ranges between 2.0 and 2.4 grams per cubic centimeter, so a small scoop packs more weight than it looks like it should. The molecular structure links a copper atom to two gluconate ions, creating stability while supporting solubility in water—making it easy to dissolve into solutions or blend into other materials.
In markets, most demand centers around highly pure copper gluconate, with purities often exceeding 98%. The content of copper itself sits near 12% by weight, a figure that’s checked batch after batch. Moisture matters, too—stability means keeping the water content low, which helps keep the powder from sticking together or degrading. Most batches carry a bright, blue-green color, and a faint, slightly sweet scent from the gluconate base. Products arrive in different forms: dense, finely milled powder for tablets or bulk mixing; larger crystalline chunks used for gradual dissolution in liquid, and sometimes as a blue-tinged transparent solution. The forms match demand in food, feed, and industrial applications.
Buyers and suppliers look for the Harmonized System (HS) Code when importing and exporting. Copper gluconate falls under the code 29181600, classified among salts and esters of gluconic acid. The use of a recognized HS code speeds up customs handling and tracks cross-border safety, especially since copper-based chemicals can get extra regulatory scrutiny in some countries. Traceability, compliance, and proper labeling make sure raw materials or finished goods don’t get delayed in their journey.
Industries working with copper gluconate look for consistency, structural reliability, and copper placement in the molecular layout. Nutritional supplement manufacturers turn to it for precision—tablets or powders use the compound to add exact copper dosages, essential for enzyme function and iron absorption. Agriculture and livestock feeds use bulk packs to deliver trace copper for animal health. Cosmetic and personal care brands sometimes add finely milled copper gluconate to serums, gels, and creams, targeting skin health or anti-aging benefits, relying on its stable, soluble structure. Laboratories also reach for it when copper ions need to be delivered gently, avoiding the harsher side effects of other copper salts like sulfate or chloride.
Touching or working with copper gluconate calls for care. In powder form, dust can cause mild irritation to the eyes, throat, or skin, especially after repeated contact—so gloves, dust masks, and goggles stay close in labs or factories. Oral ingestion of small amounts mirrors many copper salts: beneficial within a defined range, but doses above safe limits cause nausea, stomach ache, or, in rare scenarios, acute toxicity. Regulators classify it as hazardous under chemical regulations, with transport and storage following rules to keep copper content out of waterways or soils, since aquatic life reacts strongly to copper. Safe handling focuses on keeping the product bagged or sealed, dry, and away from incompatible chemicals. Emergency procedures stress dilution, washing, and immediate medical attention if large amounts get swallowed.
Copper, by nature, interacts with the environment in many ways—too much can throw off fragile balances in streams and soils. Wastewater treatment and recycling processes must filter or neutralize excess copper, minimizing the runoff. Research pushes forward on strategies for more controlled release; some teams experiment with coating copper gluconate in slow-release shells, aiming to cut down spikes in environmental copper. In packaging, industry moves toward sealed, recyclable containers—drums lined with moisture-proof plastic, rigid cans that handle stacking, and re-closable bags for small batch users. Storage leans on dry, cool conditions, away from sources of ignition or heavy traffic areas, reducing both deliquescence and contamination risks.
Regulators and industry groups insist on clear supply chains, batch traceability, and regular analysis of each shipment’s copper content. Counterfeit, degraded, or out-of-spec products can undermine nutritional supplements, impair animal health, or add unexpected risks to consumer goods. Farmers, manufacturers, and researchers push demand for higher transparency, relying on trusted sources who prove their purity and quality with third-party certificates, detailed SDS sheets, and clear origin data. On top of that, consumer safety groups keep an eye on labeling and dosage, so makers must stay current with the latest food, feed, or chemical safety updates.
Molecular formula: C12H22CuO14 Molar mass: 453.84 g/mol Density: ~2.4 g/cm³ (varies by sample form) Appearance: Blue-green solid, flakes, fine powder, or crystalline pieces Solubility: Water-soluble, forming a clear blue-green or bluish solution HS Code: 29181600 CAS Number: 527-09-3 Ionic Structure: Central copper atom coordinated by two gluconate ions Typical Copper Content: ~12%
Working with this compound means balancing purity, safety, and smart handling. Manufacturers demand clear verification—quantitative copper assays, water content breakdowns, and microbial load controls. No one wants the risk of contaminants in raw materials, so sourcing from companies with documented QA programs matters every time. In practice, this also means investing in clean mixing rooms, air control, and specialist training for staff. Smaller buyer? Invest in storage bins that keep powder dry, resist corrosion, and lock tight to block out the air, keeping the product in top shape longer. Across every application—nutrition, industry, science—controlled use means safer outcomes, healthier products, and less worry about environmental fallout.
