Potassium gluconate

Synonyms: Potassium gluconate, D-Gluconic acid potassium salt, Potassium D-gluconate, Gluconic acid potassium salt, Monopotassium gluconate, 2,3,4,5,6-Pentahydroxycaproic acid potassium salt

Potassium gluconate is the potassium salt of D-gluconic acid, a polyhydroxy carboxylic acid derived from glucose by oxidation of the aldehyde group. Its structure combines a six-carbon sugar acid backbone with a single potassium ion, giving a highly water-soluble, mildly alkaline salt that dissociates readily in aqueous solution. This property makes it an efficient vehicle for potassium supplementation without the gastrointestinal irritation often associated with potassium chloride.

Commercially, potassium gluconate is produced by fermentation of glucose to gluconic acid, followed by neutralization with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate and subsequent crystallization. It is available in several grades, including food grade (FCC), pharmaceutical grade (USP/EP), and technical grade, each with distinct purity and impurity profiles. The USP monograph specifies an assay of 99.0–101.0% on the dried basis, with limits for loss on drying, heavy metals, and organic volatile impurities.

In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, potassium gluconate serves as a well-tolerated potassium supplement for managing hypokalemia and supporting electrolyte balance. It is also used as a buffering agent, sequestrant, and stabilizer in food and beverage products, and as a chelating agent in industrial and cleaning formulations. Its high solubility and bland taste make it particularly suitable for effervescent tablets, oral solutions, and functional beverages.

Chemical Structure & Properties

Potassium gluconate has the molecular formula C6H11KO7 and a molecular weight of 234.25 g/mol. The gluconate anion is an open-chain polyhydroxy acid with five hydroxyl groups and a carboxylate group, which confers strong chelating ability and high water solubility. The potassium ion is loosely associated and readily exchanges in solution. The compound is stable under normal storage conditions, though it is hygroscopic and should be protected from moisture. It has a neutral to slightly alkaline pH in aqueous solution (typically 7.0–8.5 for a 10% w/v solution).

Meccanismo d'azione

• Potassium supplementation: Dissociates in the gastrointestinal tract to release free potassium ions, which are absorbed and distributed to intracellular fluid, helping to restore normal potassium levels.
• Electrolyte balance: Potassium is the principal intracellular cation; its presence is essential for maintaining resting membrane potential, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction.
• Buffering capacity: The gluconate moiety acts as a mild buffer, helping to stabilize pH in pharmaceutical and food systems.
• Chelation: The polyhydroxy acid structure can chelate metal ions such as calcium, iron, and copper, preventing catalysis of oxidative degradation.

Quality Specifications

Supply & Documentation

• Capacity: 200 metric tons per year
• Tempi di consegna: 3-5 business days (stock items)
• Documentazione: COA, MSDS, TDS, nutritional analysis, allergen statement, BSE/TSE statement, GMP certificate
• Confezionamento: 25 kg fiber drums with double polyethylene liners; custom packaging available upon request

Richiesta di preventivo

• LyvBio S.r.l. — E-mail: info@lyvbio.com