Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid and is produced by fermentation of glucose. It is a white granular, crystalline solid which is very soluble in water. It is non corrosive, non toxic, biodegradable and renewable. It is resistant to oxidation and reduction even at high temperatures. The main property of sodium gluconate is its excellent chelating power, especially in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions. It forms stable chelates with calcium, iron, copper, aluminium and other heavy metals. It is a superior chelating agent than EDTA, NTA and phosphonates.