Iron(II) gluconate

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 Number	299-29-6 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChEMBL	ChEMBL3833303
ChemSpider	19953133 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.131.978
EC Number	206-076-3
E number	E579 (acidity regulators, ...)
PubChem CID	23616740
UNII	781E2AXH0K Y
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./s1 Y Key: VRIVJOXICYMTAG-IYEMJOQQSA-L Y InChI=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./s1 Key: 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 formula	FeC12H22O14
Molar mass	446.14 g/mol
Appearance	light yellow to brown powder
Odor	slight caramel odor
Melting point	188 °C (370 °F; 461 K) dihydrate (decomposes)
Solubility in water	soluble
Solubility	soluble in glycerin negligible in alcohol
Pharmacology
ATC code	B03AA03 (WHO) B03AD05 (WHO) (combination with folic acid)
Hazards
GHS labelling:1
Pictograms
Signal word	Warning
Hazard statements	H302
Precautionary statements	P264, P270, P301+P317, P330, P501
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N verify (what is YN ?) 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.²

The anhydrous compound, dried under vacuum at 77 °C (350 K; 171 °F) forms a triclinic structure (space group P1). Samples dried in air at temperatures above 100 °C (373 K; 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 I2.³

Ferrous gluconate dihydrate can be precipitated by mixing solutions of ferrous sulfate and barium gluconate.⁴

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.⁵

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.⁶⁷

In food supplements ferrous gluconate is used in various formats like tablets, capsules, oral liquids or effervescent tablets to treat iron deficiency and anemia.⁸

Upon heating, the compound decomposes to either α-Fe₂O₃ or γ-Fe₂O₃ depending on the atmosphere under which the process occurs.⁴

Ferrous gluconate may be toxic in case of overdose. Children may show signs of toxicity with ingestions of 10–20 mg/kg of elemental iron. Serious toxicity may result from ingestions of more than 60 mg/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).⁹¹⁰ The symptoms may disappear in a few hours, but then emerge again after 1 or more days.