Name: China Factory Supply Top Quality Best Price Potassium Gluconate CAS 299-27-4
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Specifications of Potassium Gluconate CAS 299-27-4

Product Name	Potassium gluconate
Apperance	White to gray white crystal or granular powder
EINECS	206-074-2
MF	C6H11KO7
MW	234.25
Assay	≥99.0%

Parameters of Potassium Gluconate CAS 299-27-4

Product parameters
Cas number:	299-27-4
Appearance:	White to gray white crystal or granular powder
Purity:	99%min
Package details:	25kg/bag
Brand:	Fortunachem

Potassium Gluconate is the potassium salt of gluconic acid. It is an organic compound widely used as a highly bioavailable dietary supplement to prevent or treat low levels of potassium in the blood (a condition known as hypokalemia).

Its chemical formula is C₆H₁₁KO₇.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Parent Compound (Gluconic Acid): Gluconic acid is derived from glucose (a simple sugar) where the aldehyde group (-CHO) at the first carbon has been oxidized to a carboxylic acid group (-COOH). This makes it a non-volatile, mild organic acid.
The Salt Formation: Potassium gluconate is formed when the acidic hydrogen of gluconic acid's carboxylic group is replaced by a potassium ion (K⁺). The resulting compound is an ionic salt.
Key Characteristics:

Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, which is crucial for its absorption in the digestive tract.
Taste: It has a less bitter and less salty taste compared to other potassium salts like potassium chloride (KCl), making it more palatable for oral supplements.
pH: Its solutions are nearly neutral, which is gentler on the gastrointestinal tract than more acidic or basic salts.

Primary Function and Use: Potassium Supplementation

The sole, critical biological role of potassium gluconate is to serve as a source of potassium.

Why is Potassium Essential?
Potassium is a vital mineral and an electrolyte. It is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including:

Nerve Function: Transmitting nerve impulses throughout the nervous system.
Muscle Contraction: Enabling proper muscle function, including the rhythmic contractions of the heart.
Fluid Balance: Helping to maintain normal fluid balance within and around cells.
Blood Pressure Regulation: Counteracting the effects of sodium to help maintain healthy blood pressure.

When dietary intake is insufficient or losses are high (e.g., due to certain diuretics, vomiting, or diarrhea), potassium levels can drop, leading to hypokalemia. Symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Why Use Gluconate Specifically?

While potassium chloride is a common and inexpensive supplement, potassium gluconate is often preferred in specific scenarios:

GI Tolerance: The gluconate salt is generally considered gentler on the stomach lining than the chloride salt, which can cause irritation or nausea in some individuals.
Palatability: Its less metallic/salty taste makes it a better option for liquid supplements or powders that need to be mixed with water or food.

Important Distinction: The potassium ion (K⁺) is the active, therapeutic component. The gluconate part primarily serves as a "carrier" to deliver the potassium effectively and comfortably. Once ingested, the compound dissociates in the gut, releasing potassium ions for absorption, while the gluconate moiety is metabolized normally by the body.

Common Applications

Pharmaceuticals: Sold as over-the-counter tablets, capsules, powders, and liquid supplements, often labeled simply as "Potassium Gluconate" or part of a multivitamin/mineral complex.
Food Additive: It is used as a firming agent and a pH buffer/stabilizer in some food products.

In summary, Potassium Gluconate is an organic potassium salt prized for its high bioavailability, good gastrointestinal tolerance, and palatability, making it a preferred choice for oral potassium supplementation to maintain critical bodily functions like nerve signaling and muscle contraction.