Cupric gluconate

Cupric gluconate is a chemical compound used in various industries, including the pharmaceutical industry, food industry, and agriculture. It is a copper salt of D-gluconic acid and is recognized for its role in human and animal nutrition.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Cupric gluconate is a blue-green crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Its chemical formula is C12H22CuO14, and its molar mass is 453.84 g/mol. It has a melting point of 210 degrees Celsius and decomposes upon heating.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Cupric gluconate is used in a variety of applications due to its properties.

Pharmaceutical Industry[edit | edit source]

In the pharmaceutical industry, cupric gluconate is used as a dietary supplement to treat or prevent copper deficiency, a condition that can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and osteoporosis. It is also used in some types of parenteral nutrition.

Food Industry[edit | edit source]

In the food industry, cupric gluconate is used as a food additive and colorant. It is also used as a source of copper in food fortification programs.

Agriculture[edit | edit source]

In agriculture, cupric gluconate is used as a micronutrient in animal feed and as a fungicide in crop protection.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Cupric gluconate is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.