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Potassium gluconate, known for its molecular formula C6H11KO7, stands as a potassium salt derived from gluconic acid. Recognizable through its CAS number 299-27-4, this compound often appears in solid forms like flakes, powder, pearls, or crystalline granules. Chemists and manufacturers identify its structure through its clear, colorless to white appearance, sometimes resembling a fine powder or slightly granular solid. Water solubility comes naturally, so aqueous solutions offer another common format. Structurally, the compound brings together potassium ions with gluconate, a six-carbon sugar acid, creating a substance valued across several industries.
Potassium gluconate carries a molecular weight close to 234.25 g/mol. People working in labs and manufacturing pay attention to its specific density, which most sources put at about 1.73 g/cm³. Thanks to its high solubility in water, solutions tend to be clear and stable under normal lab conditions. In terms of taste, it leans mildly salty, without the bitterness that sometimes marks other potassium compounds. As a non-volatile, non-flammable solid, it creates less risk of accidental release or ignition, and storage comes down to keeping it dry. Those considering bulk handling look for its powder or crystalline forms, often stored in sealed containers to block out moisture that can cause clumping or minor decomposition.
Most potassium gluconate found in commerce meets pharmaceutical or food grade standards, with purity testing revealing potassium content typically around 16-18%. The production process combines gluconic acid, typically obtained by the microbial oxidation of glucose (corn or beet), with high-purity potassium hydroxide as the source of potassium ion. Manufacturers run careful tests to exclude heavy metals, microbial contamination, and residual solvents. Buyers, especially in nutrition or medical fields, demand certificates of analysis proving the absence of harmful impurities and consistent analysis of physical parameters such as appearance, particle size distribution, solubility, and moisture content.
Trade professionals know potassium gluconate typically falls under HS Code 29181600, classifying it as a salt or ester of gluconic acid. This code streamlines customs processing, ensuring that batches shipped between countries require the right paperwork and tariffs apply properly. Tracking international shipments of the compound relies on this coding system, so importers and exporters use the HS Code in contracts and product descriptions.
Options for potassium gluconate presentation fit many applications. Bulk solid powder or crystalline material comes bagged or drums for nutritional supplement blending, pharmaceutical processing, or industrial uses. Some applications favor pearls or granules, reducing dust and easing precise measurement. Laboratory and clinical environments may go with clear solutions, pre-mixed to specific concentrations for direct dosing or further dilution. Professionals caring for quality keep an eye on batch-to-batch consistency; clumping or caking raises red flags, especially where tightly controlled dosing matters.
Potassium gluconate, by nature, avoids the worst labels of harmful chemical exposure in standard settings. For human health, oral and topical use ranks as low risk at common concentrations, though high amounts can shift potassium balance dangerously. Dust from powders could mildly irritate eyes or lungs, so warehouse workers or lab staff use gloves and masks where exposure seems likely. Storage stays simple: cool, dry places away from acids or reactive chemicals. Waste disposal follows local chemical regulations, which for a non-hazardous organic salt, rarely poses major compliance challenges. Data sheets say almost nothing about acute toxicity or flammability, and decades of use in foods and medicines back up a strong safety profile.
Potassium gluconate primarily appears in the health sector as a potassium supplement. Those managing hypertension or low serum potassium find it a preferred alternative to more abrasive potassium salts. It dissolves easily in water-based formulations, blending into dietary, veterinary, and pharmaceutical products where potassium content needs bumping up. In industrial settings, it stabilizes solutions, buffers pH, or acts as a mild chelating agent, especially in applications where less reactive metals matter. Food manufacturers introduce it to products as a potassium fortifier or stabilizer, and testing in athletes or patients undergoing fluid therapy often targets potassium gluconate for its gentle effect on electrolyte balance.
Potassium gluconate stands out for its low impact profile. Degrading naturally into potassium and gluconate, both readily processed by humans and the environment, the compound doesn’t accumulate or persist as a pollutant. Its raw materials—glucose from plant sources and potassium hydroxide—remain widely available and renewable. Responsible producers use fermentation processes that minimize chemical byproducts. Proper manufacturing and disposal practices turn this from a routine chemical into a reliable, sustainable resource that fits into wider goals of reducing environmental risks in manufacturing.
Ongoing research and application development try to push potassium gluconate’s usability even further. Precision in crystallization, drying, and purification techniques continues to reduce costs and boost purity. Greater understanding of the health roles of potassium helps guide product formulation and labeling. Integrating better quality control and automated handling reduces cross-contamination, meets strict regulatory guidelines, and reassures consumers and professionals alike that potassium gluconate stays safe and effective. This persistent focus on quality, safety, and sustainability keeps it as a dependable choice in both the lab and the marketplace.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
