Iron(II) gluconate

Names

Systematic IUPAC name Iron; (2R,3R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid

Other names Ferrous gluconate

Identifiers

CAS NumberY

3D model (JSmol)

ChEMBL

ChemSpiderY

ECHA InfoCard

EC Number206-076-3

E numberE579 (acidity regulators, ...)

PubChem CID

UNIIY

InChI InChI=1S/2C6H12O7.Fe/c2*7-1-2(8)3(9)4(10)5(11)6(12)13;/h2*2-5,7-11H,1H2,(H,12,13);/q;;+2/p-2/t2*2-,3-,4+,5-;/m11./s1YKey:VRIVJOXICYMTAG-IYEMJOQQSA-LYInChI=1/2C6H12O7.Fe/c2*7-1-2(8)3(9)4(10)5(11)6(12)13;/h2*2-5,7-11H,1H2,(H,12,13);/q;;+2/p-2/t2*2-,3-,4+,5-;/m11./s1Key:VRIVJOXICYMTAG-QFKJHGNTBV

SMILES [Fe+2].O[C@H]([C@@H](O)C([O-])=O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO.[O-]C(=O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO

Properties

Chemical formulaFeC12H22O14

Molar mass446.14 g/mol

Appearancelight yellow to brown powder

Odorslight caramel odor

Melting point188°C (370°F; 461K) dihydrate (decomposes)

Solubility in watersoluble

Solubilitysoluble in glycerin negligible in alcohol

Pharmacology

ATC codeB03AA03() B03AD05() (combination with folic acid)

Hazards

GHS labelling:

Pictograms

Signal wordWarning

Hazard statementsH302

Precautionary statementsP264, P270, P301+P317, P330, P501

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25°C [77°F], 100kPa). Nverify(what isYN?) Infobox references

Iron(II) gluconate, or ferrous gluconate, is a black compound often used as an iron supplement. It is the iron(II) salt of gluconic acid with the chemical formula Fe(C6H11O7)2⋅nH2O (n=0,2). It is marketed under brand names such as Fergon, Ferralet and Simron.

Structure

The anhydrous compound, dried under vacuum at 77°C (350K; 171°F) forms a triclinic structure (space group P1). Samples dried in air at temperatures above 100°C (373K; 212°F) exhibit a monoclinic structure (s.g. P121). The dihydrate also exhibits a monoclinic unit cell (s.g. I2), while partially hydrated samples can be described as a superposition of two phases, P1 and I2.

Preparation

Ferrous gluconate dihydrate can be precipitated by mixing solutions of ferrous sulfate and barium gluconate.

Uses

Medical

Ferrous gluconate is used in the treatment of hypochromic anemia. The use of this compound compared with other iron preparations results in satisfactory reticulocyte responses, a high percentage utilization of iron, and an increase in hemoglobin to normal levels in a reasonably short time.

Food additive

Ferrous gluconate is also used as a food additive when processing black olives. It is represented by the food labeling E number E579 in Europe. It imparts a uniform jet black color to the olives.

Food supplement

In food supplements ferrous gluconate is used in various formats like tablets, capsules, oral liquids or effervescent tablets to treat iron deficiency and anemia.

Reactions

Upon heating, the compound decomposes to either α-Fe2O3 or γ-Fe2O3 depending on the atmosphere under which the process occurs.

Toxicity

Ferrous gluconate may be toxic in case of overdose. Children may show signs of toxicity with ingestions of 10–20mg/kg of elemental iron. Serious toxicity may result from ingestions of more than 60mg/kg. Iron exerts both local and systemic effects: it is corrosive to the gastrointestinal mucosa, it can have a negative impact on the heart and blood (dehydration, low blood pressure, fast and weak pulse, shock), lungs, liver, gastrointestinal system (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting blood), nervous system (chills, dizziness, coma, convulsions, headache), and skin (flushing, loss of color, bluish-colored lips and fingernails). The symptoms may disappear in a few hours, but then emerge again after 1 or more days.[citation needed]