Copper di-D-gluconate stands as a chemical compound formed when gluconic acid reacts with copper ions. This product carries weight in both industry and scientific laboratories, building its reputation on unique chemical and physical features. The formula for copper di-D-gluconate reads C12H22CuO14, folding in 12 carbon, 22 hydrogen, 1 copper, and 14 oxygen atoms. In the materials world, this mix brings balance between organic backbone and a metallic center, opening the door for use in food supplements, industrial processes, and chemical synthesis.
Copper di-D-gluconate appears in several forms. Researchers and chemical handlers will recognize it as light blue to bluish-green depending on its purity and hydration state. In solid settings, it can turn up as fine powder, flaky solid, shiny crystalline material, soft pearls, or even as small, granular lumps. On contact, it feels dry and powdery, and won’t clump if stored in a cool, dry setting. Its density rests on the preparation method, but a typical measurement comes in around 1.86 g/cm³ at standard temperature and pressure. Solubility matters in the lab: copper di-D-gluconate dissolves easily in water, with liquid solutions often appearing faintly blue, which makes it both easy to mix and quick to handle in dosing setups. This chemical stays stable under normal storage, but extended moisture exposure or strong acids and alkalis challenge the structure. As for odor, pure copper di-D-gluconate gives off no scent.
Structure brings insight into copper di-D-gluconate’s function. Its backbone consists of two gluconate ions each binding to a central copper ion. Gluconate, a derivative of glucose, forms a ring-like structure that grips metal atoms tightly. The arrangement helps prevent copper from separating out, so the compound stays stable in dry conditions and water. Where stability ranks, trace elements rarely disrupt its bonds. The molecular weight lands at about 453.86 g/mol, making it sizeable on the molecular scale but easy to handle in both research and industrial settings. The chemical balances itself between reactivity and stability—a property both useful and safe for hands familiar with chemical safety principles.
Every trade or import document for copper di-D-gluconate requests the Harmonized System (HS) Code. For copper-based chemical salts, the code typically reported is 29181600, which signals its status as a carboxylic acid salt of copper. Specifications in product data sheets highlight purity, appearance, copper content, water content, and residue on ignition. For applications in supplement manufacturing or food processing, buyers often look for copper content between 10.5% and 12.5%, with water no more than 10%. Parameters for loss on drying, pH range in a 5% solution, and insoluble matter all fall into the spotlight for those maintaining quality and compliance.
Physical form can make a big difference in how copper di-D-gluconate gets used. As a powder, it pours and mixes with ease. Laboratories sometimes ask for it in compact flakes or granules for simplified weighing and spill reduction. Crystal forms sparkle in bright light and dissolve quickly when prepared in a beaker. Some industries prefer the material as a liquid solution, pre-diluted in water up to a specific molarity, to reduce dust and improve flow in automated mixing. Storage in sealed containers extends shelf life and locks in consistency, especially when environmental humidity threatens to clump the powder or degrade it from within. Different forms fit different needs: powder and flakes slip into chemical syntheses, while liquid solution finds place in more precision-heavy environments.
Common sense pays off when handling copper di-D-gluconate. Its low toxicity allows for reasonable handling with gloves and eye protection. The compound does not act as an irritant under standard lab use, but dust should never be inhaled, and direct, repeated skin contact brings risk of mild skin or eye irritation. Industrial hygiene relies on strong ventilation when working with large batches. When heated above standard processing temperatures, copper di-D-gluconate may break down, releasing potentially harmful copper oxide fumes, so open flames and intense heat need to be avoided. Chemical waste containing copper salts calls for collection in dedicated heavy metal containers, never poured down a sink. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) give the best up-to-date rundown on first aid measures and spill control. In food or supplement use, only food-grade copper di-D-gluconate should be considered—it must meet regulatory limits for heavy metals and impurities. Gloves keep hands safe, just as goggles protect the eyes from splashes of concentrated solution or powder.
Raw material sourcing influences quality, regulatory compliance, and cost. The core materials for copper di-D-gluconate include gluconic acid, often produced by microbial fermentation of glucose, and copper carbonate or copper sulfate. Sourcing gluconic acid from sustainable, non-GMO starch bases lowers overall environmental burden and supports cleaner supply chains. Copper, mined in several countries, requires careful processing to remove other metals before use. Large manufacturers often enter long-term agreements with global suppliers, prioritizing traceability, batch testing, and environmental protection certificates. All raw materials arrive with certificates of analysis, which manufacturing quality assurance teams cross-check with local and international standards. Sustainable supply matters not just for ethical reasons but also for reliable, contamination-free manufacturing. In a global marketplace, product certification delivers peace of mind to customers.
From nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals to agricultural chemistry, copper di-D-gluconate holds diverse roles. In the field of health, this compound provides a bioavailable source of copper, essential for enzymes, red blood cell development, and connective tissue strength. Doctors sometimes recommend copper gluconate for patients with diagnosed copper deficiencies. Food fortification teams value this compound since its solubility and mild taste get along well with health drinks and capsules. Farmers and scientists use it in animal feed, where it boosts copper intake without strong taste or aftereffect. Beyond health fields, copper di-D-gluconate participates in surface chemistry, acting as a precursor for catalysts and pigment production due to its stable copper source. Researchers in materials science sometimes draw copper from gluconate-based baths during electroplating experiments, favoring controlled release and mild working conditions.
A science-focused approach to copper di-D-gluconate asks for continuous checks on manufacturing waste streams, water usage, and worker safety. Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and others keep updating limits for residual metals, while environmental agencies expect tech advances in recycling copper waste. Technological improvements such as closed-loop systems, improved filtration, and synthetic biology-based gluconic acid production will shrink environmental impacts. Companies with transparency in sourcing, third-party testing, and clear communication with buyers strengthen both trust and safety records. Data publishing, peer-reviewed studies, and chemical registry listings (like those provided in PubChem or ChemSpider) help industry experts, scientists, and end-users make informed decisions in procurement and application. Copper di-D-gluconate will likely maintain its essential position in research labs and industrial plants, as long as innovation and safety walk alongside demand.
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