Potassium Gluconate
Minerals & Trace Elements
Nutritional Enhancers
Acidity Regulators
299-27-4
C₆H₁₁KO₇
$3.29 ~ $4.94
Food
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Product Info
What is Potassium Gluconate?
Potassium Gluconate is the potassium salt of gluconic acid, primarily utilized as a highly bioavailable dietary supplement to treat or prevent potassium deficiency and as a mineral fortifier or buffering agent in foods.
How is Potassium Gluconate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Prepare and sterilize a solution of glucose (e.g., corn syrup) and essential nutrients for the microorganisms. | Control Point: Glucose concentration and purity are critical for high yield. All raw materials must be of food-grade quality. Sterilization prevents contamination by unwanted microbes. |
| 2 | Fermentation | Inoculate the sterilized glucose medium with a selected culture (e.g., Aspergillus niger) and ferment to convert glucose into gluconic acid. | Control Point: Maintain precise control over temperature, pH, and aeration (dissolved oxygen). The pH is often controlled by adding a base as the gluconic acid is produced. Fermentation is monitored until glucose is fully consumed. |
| 3 | Neutralization | React the gluconic acid broth with a high-purity potassium source, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) or potassium carbonate (K2CO3), to form potassium gluconate solution. | Control Point: The reaction is exothermic; temperature must be controlled to prevent side reactions. The addition rate is managed to achieve a target pH (typically 6.5-7.5), ensuring complete neutralization. |
| 4 | Purification & Decolorization | Filter the raw potassium gluconate solution to remove microbial cells and solid impurities. Treat the solution with activated carbon to remove color and organic impurities. | Control Point: Filtration must achieve a clear, bright solution. The amount of activated carbon and contact time are optimized to achieve color specifications without significant product loss. |
| 5 | Concentration | Evaporate water from the purified solution, typically under vacuum, to increase the concentration of potassium gluconate. | Control Point: Vacuum evaporation at low temperatures is essential to prevent thermal degradation and discoloration (caramelization) of the product. The final concentration (Brix) is a key parameter for successful crystallization. |
| 6 | Crystallization | Cool the supersaturated solution in a controlled manner to induce the formation and growth of potassium gluconate crystals. | Control Point: The cooling profile (rate of temperature decrease) is critical as it determines the crystal size, shape, and purity. Slow, controlled cooling yields larger, more uniform crystals. |
| 7 | Separation & Washing | Separate the formed crystals from the mother liquor using a centrifuge. The crystal cake is then washed with a small amount of demineralized water. | Control Point: Centrifuge speed and time determine the residual moisture content. Washing removes surface impurities from the mother liquor, but excessive washing can dissolve the product, reducing yield. |
| 8 | Drying & Sieving | Dry the washed crystals in a suitable dryer (e.g., fluid bed dryer) to meet the final moisture specification. Sieve the dried product to ensure uniform particle size. | Control Point: Drying temperature and airflow must be strictly controlled to prevent caking or degradation. The product is sieved through specific mesh sizes to meet granular or powder grade requirements. |
| 9 | Quality Control & Packaging | Conduct final laboratory analysis on the finished product. Once approved, package it in sealed, labeled, food-grade containers. | Control Point: Final product must be tested for assay (purity), heavy metals, pH, and microbial limits against specifications (e.g., USP, FCC). Packaging operations must be conducted in a clean environment to prevent contamination. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 299-27-4 |
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₁KO₇ |
| Solubility | very soluble in water (~500 g/L at 20 °C); insoluble in alcohol |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool, dry, ventilated area, protect from moisture |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
used as potassium supplement
electrolyte in beverages
nutritional products
pharmaceuticals
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Potassium Gluconate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Nutrient Supplement; Sequestrant; Acidity Regulator |
| Key Ingredients | Potassium Gluconate (potassium salt of gluconic acid) |
| Mechanism of Action | Provides bioavailable potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte. The gluconate anion chelates pro-oxidative metal ions (e.g., Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺), preventing them from catalyzing undesirable oxidative reactions. Also acts as the conjugate base of a weak acid to help buffer food systems. |
| Application Effect in Product | Nutritional fortification of foods and beverages with potassium. Stabilizes product color, flavor, and shelf life by inhibiting metal-catalyzed oxidation. Serves as a less bitter alternative to potassium chloride in sodium-reduced products. Contributes to pH control. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Gluconate | Mineral Supplement (Potassium Salt) | Low elemental potassium percentage (approx. 17%); salt of gluconic acid; widely available OTC. | Very gentle on the gastrointestinal system; high tolerability. | Low potency requires larger pills or more frequent dosing to achieve a specific potassium level. | Mild, general-purpose potassium supplementation; individuals with sensitive stomachs. | For gentle, low-dose maintenance of potassium levels without significant gastrointestinal side effects. |
| Potassium Chloride | Mineral Supplement (Potassium Salt) | High elemental potassium percentage (approx. 52%); often in extended-release (ER) prescription forms. | Most potent form by weight, allowing for smaller pills and higher single doses. | Can cause significant gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, or ulcers; higher doses often require a prescription. | Treating medically significant potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) under a doctor's supervision. | When maximum potassium delivery per pill is the primary goal and GI side effects are managed. |
| Potassium Citrate | Mineral Supplement / Alkalizing Agent | Medium elemental potassium percentage (approx. 38%); has a urine-alkalizing effect. | Dual-action: provides potassium and helps prevent the formation of certain kidney stones (calcium oxalate). | Less potent than chloride; alkalizing properties may not be necessary for all users. | Individuals needing potassium who are also prone to specific types of kidney stones or metabolic acidosis. | If you require both potassium supplementation and the specific benefit of urine alkalization for kidney health. |
| Potassium Bicarbonate | Mineral Supplement / Antacid | Medium elemental potassium percentage (approx. 39%); often sold in effervescent (dissolving) tablets. | Acts as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid; liquid form is easy to ingest. | Effervescent form can cause gas and bloating; may contain significant sodium. | Supplementing potassium in people who also experience acid indigestion or GERD. | To get a potassium source that simultaneously functions as an antacid, often in a liquid format. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA and monographs available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications