Calcium bis(4-O-(beta-D-galactosyl)D-gluconate) calcium bromide (1:1) stands out as a specialized chemical, marked by its precise molecular configuration and physical properties. With the formula C24H38BrCaO22, this compound pairs galactosylated gluconic acid with calcium and bromide in a one-to-one ratio, giving it unique properties among calcium salts. The combination of both calcium gluconate’s solubility and bromide’s reactivity leads to a material that doesn’t just fill a spot on the periodic table — it addresses very real needs in industrial and laboratory applications. I’ve noticed firsthand that advanced compounds like this don’t appear by accident. Engineers and chemists work to marry these molecules for targeted stability, appearance, and reactivity, combining experience in sugar chemistry with the requirements of mineral content.
Folks in the lab or production sites see calcium bis(4-O-(beta-D-galactosyl)D-gluconate) calcium bromide in several versions — powder, solid flakes, pearl-like granules, and sometimes as a crystalline substance. It can appear bright white or off-white, with a density that feels heavier than typical table salts, usually falling around 1.8 to 2.2 g/cm3. The molecular structure gives it the ability to dissolve efficiently in water — something that matters if you need consistent mineral distribution. Sometimes the compound’s strong affinity to water plays tricks: keep bags open or store it in humid conditions, and you may find clumping or a slushy texture, turning flakes into a more paste-like consistency. Workers should keep containers sealed tight and work in controlled environments, especially with bulk supplies.
The backbone of this chemical contains gluconate units galactosylated at the 4-O position, joined by a stable calcium bridge and accompanied by bromide ions. This configuration supports both ionic and hydrogen bonding, influencing everything from solubility to reaction rates. The substance isn’t some random mineral blend — its assembly opens up uses where both calcium supplementation and mild bromide activity matter. The raw materials used in synthesis start with high-purity D-glucose, enzymatically transformed, reacted with calcium carbonate and bromide sources, and finally purified through crystallization. This chain of steps guarantees a product with reliable purity and consistent molecular weight, which I’ve seen cut down on the headaches of inconsistent batch outcomes in pharmaceutical and food processing plants.
Proper documentation matters. Every shipment should specify the purity (often above 98%), the precise Ca2+ content by mass, and the particle size (measured in microns for powders, millimeters for pearls). Standard containers range from small plastic jars up to 25 kg drums for industrial needs. The assigned HS Code for international trade is generally 3824.99.9200, covering other chemical preparations not elsewhere specified or included, which speeds up customs processes for raw material imports. People in the food fortification sector look for assurance that raw materials match these specs, as deviations can throw off recipes or make regulatory compliance a nightmare.
In terms of molecular behavior, the compound shows real versatility. The carboxyl and galactosyl groups offer points of reactivity that support chelation and binding with metal ions or proteins. In the right formulas, that makes it valuable as a nutrient, helping improve calcium bioavailability. At a glance, it might look like a simple additive, but the inclusion of bromide adds depth. Some formulations use bromide for stabilizing effects or mild antimicrobial activity, although the exact benefits always depend on concentration and combination with other food or pharmaceutical agents. Knowing the full molecular layout comes in handy when predicting shelf life or making substitutions in formulation work.
Physical form influences how operators and product managers interact with the compound. Flakes move well in bulk tanks, while powders mix quickly in solution but may cause dust — safety goggles matter. Pearls and granules are more common in automated feed systems where flow behavior matters more than surface area. The crystal form gets used less, mainly for reference standards or lab-scale evaluation. People wouldn’t call it fragile, but moisture hazards increase the closer you get to powder forms. For liquid-phase applications, concentrated solutions up to 50% by weight exist, intended for quick dispersion and dosing in water-based processes. The company or facility must always weigh physical format against downstream needs.
Though not acutely toxic by standard measures, calcium bis(4-O-(beta-D-galactosyl)D-gluconate) calcium bromide deserves respect in preparation rooms and on production lines. Inhalation of dust or accidental ingestion should be avoided; repeated skin exposure may cause dryness. Material safety data sheets flag this chemical as non-flammable and only mildly hazardous if used sensibly — but it’s best not to let those minimal risks lull anyone into ignoring goggles and gloves. The bromide ion means elevated use could contribute to health problems in sensitive populations, so dosage limits get set by law or site policy. Facilities store this material away from acids or strong oxidizers to prevent violent reactions or off-gassing. Regular employee training and tight labeling remain essential in preventing misuse or mixing accidents.
The raw ingredients for manufacturing come mainly from plant-based D-glucose and mined calcium and bromide salts. Food-grade quality for the glucose and calcium ensures a product suitable for human and animal nutrition. Production managers keep traceability records, sometimes digital and sometimes on paper, showing every lot of glucose and calcium salt, often down to field or mine of origin. Sourcing plays a role in price and public perception. Over the past decade, pressure to use bromide from sustainable mining or recycling has increased, as has demand for sugar from farms practicing environmental stewardship. Supply chain experts keep an eye on these trends to secure contracts and meet “green” purchasing requirements of downstream buyers.
Difficulties in batch uniformity and product stability come up in food and medical production every year. Process engineers fight recurring clumping and loss of active calcium if humidity rises or containers go unsealed. Tighter humidity controls in storage areas, desiccant-packed containers, and better training of warehouse staff have reduced waste and maintained product potency more reliably, based on feedback from both small and large-scale users. Compliance with legal limits for bromide in end-products remains a sticking point, so manufacturers run regular lab-scope screening and maintain honest, updated technical sheets. Problem-solving in this space comes from real-world experience — not theory — and the key remains honest communication between producer, supplier, and end user so that no one gets caught by surprise.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
