Description
A white to off-white powder or granulate. It may be anhydrous,
or as the dihydrate, or a mixture of both. It is very soluble in water
and is sparingly soluble in alcohol. It is insoluble in ether.
Magnesium gluconate is included on a partial listing of substances
presumed to be GRAS by FDA but not published. Some uses of
magnesium salts include firming agents, lubricants, flavor enhancers, and processing aids.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants and animals and is
a natural constituent of fruits, vegetables, grain, meats and sea
foods. It is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body
and the second most plentiful intracellularly. The average 60-kg
human adult body contains about 24 g magnesium of which about
one-half resides in bone. Although plasma levels vary between 1.7
and 3.0 mg per dl, very little is contained in extracellular fluid.
Magnesium is essential for the production and transfer of energy,
for protein, fat, and nucleic acid synthesis, for contractility in
muscle and excitability in nerve, and for the activity of numerous
enzyme systems.
Chemical Properties
White powder or fine needles; odorless;
almost tasteless. Soluble in water. Combustible.
Uses
Replenisher (magnesium).
brand name
Almora(Forest).
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Biochem/physiol Actions
Gluconic acid occurs from the oxidation of glucose and is naturally in fruit, honey and wine. When used as a food additive it helps regulate acidity. It is a strong chelating agent, chelating the anions of calcium, iron, aluminum, copper, and other heavy metals.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from dilute EtOH to give ca trihydrate, and then dry it at 98o in high vacuum. It is insoluble in EtOH, and the solubility in H2O is 16% at 25o. [Prescott et al. Ind Eng Chem 45 338 1953, Beilstein 3 IV 1256.]
