Sodium Gluconate is a compound made from sodium salt of gluconic acid.

It is a white to tan, granular to fine, crystalline powder, very soluble in water. 

Non corrosive, non toxic and readily biodegradable (98% after 2 days), sodium gluconate is highly appreciated as chelating agent, especially in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions.

It forms stable chelates with calcium, iron, copper, aluminium and other heavy metals.  Due to it high efficiency and better results than other agents such as EDTA, NTA and other related compunds, Sodium Gluconate is highly used.

Aqueous solutions of sodium gluconate are resistant to oxidation and reduction, even at high temperatures environments.  This solutions are easily degraded biologically so they do not represent any wastewater problem.

It is a highly efficient set retarder and a good plasticise/water reducer for concrete, mortar and gypsum among other used in industrial processes such as to inhibit bitterness in food products.