Calcium gluconate monohydrate stands as a chemical compound used across industries and medicine for its calcium content and low risk of irritation. This solid delivers calcium in forms that reflect its stable structure, sporting the molecular formula C12H22CaO14·H2O and a CAS number of 299-28-5. With origins in sugar-based reagents and lime, it occupies a niche in food fortification, calcium supplements, and medical antidotes. Compared to alternatives, its low solubility and mild flavor means less disruption in food and beverage products.
This material appears both as white crystalline flakes and as fine powder, sometimes manufactured into pearls for controlled dissolution in different liquids. When poured, the flakes do not produce dust clouds as readily as talc, reducing respiratory risk for workers. Its crystallinity ensures minimal clumping in storage, no matter if packed in large drums or smaller pharmaceutical batches. The solid melts above 200°C, yet decomposes before actual fusion, an important consideration in thermal processes. The density remains stable near 1.9 g/cm3 in bulk, giving consistency across lots and shipment volumes.
Ca-gluconate monohydrate dissolves in water slowly, giving a clear but slightly viscous solution at higher concentrations. This property underpins its application in IV calcium therapy, where rapid but controlled delivery can restore depleted ions in cases of hypocalcemia or certain poisonings. In laboratories, the powder flows smoothly and retains moisture, so tight-seal containers are a must. Moisture content sits near six percent—above that, the risk for caking and microbial growth increases. Each kilogram contains about 90–95 grams of elemental calcium, verified through established testing methods like atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Flakes suit industrial mixing, where large volumes are poured straight into vats for food production or water treatment. Fine powders blend well in tablet presses and premixed nutritional packets. Pearl form delivers a steady release in reactors, especially in continuous flow manufacturing. Liquid forms, typically as a 10% solution, cater to hospital and emergency applications, offering predictability in dosing and administration. Crystalline material retains purity and resists degradation from heat or exposure, keeping the active molecule intact through extended warehousing.
Each molecule locks calcium within a gluconate backbone, a structure less likely to irritate tissues than chloride or carbonate alternatives. No free radicals, no heavy metals—only plain, stable bonds. Hydroxyl groups across the molecule increase water attraction but limit volatility, accounting for its stable handling even in countries with humid climates. The molecular weight runs to 448.39 g/mol, making for convenient calculations in recipes or production runs. As raw material, producers value consistency in assay numbers, color, and granule size, since these affect machine throughput and final product clarity.
The correct HS Code—29181600—aligns with organic calcium salts and helps customs and importers process batches without delay. Bulk density changes from about 0.7 g/cm3 (loosely packed) to almost 1 g/cm3 (after gentle tapping). Logistic managers & warehouse teams work with these numbers to pack containers efficiently, avoiding costly space waste. In transit, the product holds up under reasonable vibration, but repeated mechanical stress may cause some settlement or slight particle size reduction.
Regulators generally rank calcium gluconate monohydrate as safe when handled as directed. Inhalation or ingestion of small accidental quantities rarely brings harm, but high exposure—common in raw material facilities—calls for dust masks and gloves to shield workers from irritation. Spills clean up easily with sweeping or vacuuming thanks to its lack of volatile fumes or strong odors. Not a combustible substance, the compound does not fuel fires, though some official records note the powder can irritate lungs if mismanaged. Disposal usually takes place through standard chemical waste streams, avoiding waterway contamination.
Factories rely on this monohydrate as a source of calcium in everything from bread to pharmaceuticals. Excipient manufacturers prefer its neutral taste. Water purification plants add calibrated amounts to remineralize deionized supplies, improving taste and nutritional value. As a chemical intermediate, it brings ionic balance in reactions involving phosphate or oxalate controls. Glassmakers and textile finishers gain value through its role as a stabilizer. Each industry requires predictable lot purity, and reputable suppliers regularly share certificates of analysis with each shipment.
Workplace exposure during blending and packing drives respiratory risk, so dust extraction and proper PPE offer the simplest fix. Adverse effects from improper ingestion—in rare overdose—bring a need for industrial clear labeling and batch traceability, especially where the compound is used in product lines for infants. Supplier audits and periodic analysis can stamp out batch-to-batch variation, keeping assay and physical parameters within spec. To prevent caking and moisture uptake during shipment, vacuum-sealed or desiccant-packed bags beat standard plastic sacks.
Years in laboratory settings taught me one lesson: chemical reliability stems from a robust supply chain and transparent hazard communication. This compound rarely causes issues, but every handler along the chain must respect storage and handling protocols. By investing in employee training and regularly inspecting packaging systems, companies can reduce product loss and health risk. Industry-wide standards—covering everything from particle size to elemental assay—remain the backbone of consistent performance in applications as varied as patient care and mass food production.
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