Calcium bis(4-O-(β-D-galactosyl)-D-gluconate)-calcium bromide (1:1), with its distinctive name, strikes an intriguing balance between organic structure and the utility of inorganic salts. Those who work in chemical manufacturing, analytical labs, or specialty industries may notice this compound popping up more frequently, due to applications in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The structure combines gluconate and galactose groups anchored to a calcium core and paired with a bromide ion. Anyone used to handling complicated molecules, especially for food chemistry or medical research, knows how rare it is for a compound to carry both a bulky organic framework and the stability of a metallic salt.
The backbone consists of calcium tightly coordinated with two (4-O-(β-D-galactosyl)-D-gluconate) ligands, with one bromide ion for every two calcium ions. Structurally, it bridges realms—pulling from carbohydrate chemistry because of the galactose, with gluconate known for helping minerals like calcium dissolve better in water. The formula captures both complexity and utility: C24H38Ca2BrO22, totaling a substantial molecular weight, which engineers and laboratory chemists need when performing calculations for large-scale or precise lab synthesis. I’ve run into supply chain quirks working with similar multi-ionic complexes since their raw materials—simple monosaccharides and inorganic salts—sometimes swing in price, shaping real-world cost.
Products containing this compound emerge in a few forms, and each behaves differently. Some lots arrive as fine powders—white to off-white, not clumping easily if kept dry and sealed against humidity—and some plants process it into pearl-like granules or irregular flakes, which I’ve noticed makes dosing with automated dispensers easier. In environments with high-volume production, vendors often ship it dissolved in aqueous solutions, reducing dust inhalation risks for workers and cutting down prep time for end users. Density falls into a moderate range, usually around 1.6–1.9 g/cm³ when solid, so packaging and shipping don’t pose extra hazards compared to other mineral-organic hybrids. Dissolving properties vary depending on pH and temperature, but most batches show good solubility in water—something researchers leverage in formulation design for nutritional supplements or injectable pharmaceuticals.
Chemical safety matters on the floor or at the bench. No one wants to risk an accident with a compound they don’t know much about. This material stays relatively stable under standard conditions, not reactive with mild acids, air, or light. Companies training new lab workers should stress that, even though the material looks like common food-grade calcium salts, inhaling large amounts of any fine powder may irritate the respiratory tract. In solution, calcium compounds at high concentration can irritate eyes and skin, so safety goggles and gloves remain the smart choice. As a calcium bromide salt, it avoids fire and explosion risks you see with peroxides or certain alkali metals, but anyone with a chemical inventory knows not to store it close to strong oxidizers for long periods, just as policy. Material safety data sheets routinely list it as “low-hazard, not acutely toxic,” but I always remember that chronic exposure isn’t well studied—so it makes sense to follow general chemical hygiene protocols.
Product designers eyeing this compound enjoy flexibility. Its main selling point lies in bridging biochemistry and mineral supplementation: the gluconate part boosts mineral availability, while the galactosyl group can alter reactivity and absorption, making it attractive for nutritional, pharmaceutical, or even agricultural markets. The raw materials—calcium salts, gluconic acid, galactose, hydrobromic acid—show up on procurement lists for other projects, cutting down on inventory overhead for multi-use suppliers. I’ve seen manufacturers tout this blend in calcium-fortified drinks and some intravenous electrolyte solutions because of its quick dissolving qualities, but its high molecular weight challenges formulation chemists working on concentrated solutions.
Working the logistics end, the HS Code for this material usually falls under 2918.19 (for organic salts of carboxylic acids) or a similar grouping—critical for customs and international trade. Shipping solid product in 25-kilogram fiber drum packaging makes sense for warehouse workers and freight handlers, and bulk solution gets trucked in IBC totes or drums. Specifications on most technical datasheets list purity above 98.5%, loss on drying below 2%, and heavy metals (as Pb) under 10 ppm, which makes importers and audited facilities breathe easier. Storage never needs specialized conditions, just dry, well-ventilated areas out of direct sunlight, away from strong acids or bases. From experience, anyone in quality assurance should double-check batch-to-batch consistency with supplier certificates of analysis, since natural carbohydrate sources sometimes introduce subtle variations.
Getting the most out of this compound means understanding both its promise and its quirks. While its hybrid nature attracts attention in new pharma and agri-food applications, process engineers find the large, complex structure harder to filter or crystallize than simpler salts. Wastewater treatment teams watch for high organics and bromide content in plant effluent, mindful of local discharge regulations. Smaller businesses, without deep analytical labs, lean on third-party testing to confirm compliance. Crafting successful policy comes down to anticipating both supply fluctuations in plant-derived feedstocks and evolving regulatory standards for mineral-organic blends. Production managers encourage cross-training on bulk chemical handling and material traceability, knowing that transparent records build trust with downstream customers and inspectors.
Some compounds don’t stay popular unless they earn their reputation for reliability and flexibility. Knowing how calcium bis(4-O-(β-D-galactosyl)-D-gluconate)-calcium bromide (1:1) enters the market—where it fits in processing lines, the real-world safety landscape, and the subtleties of its molecular structure—helps buyers and engineers make grounded decisions. Each detail, from labeling and HS Codes to packaging size and purity, matters in daily operations and protects long-term supply contracts and safe plant environments. Taking the time to know a new material like this, and communicate transparently about its uses, sets a solid example for handling any specialty raw material in the chemical world.
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