Glucono Delta-Lactone has a chemical formula of C6H10O6 with a molecular weight of 178.14 g/mol. It is a white crystalline powder and almost odorless. It has a slightly sweet taste, then bitter, and finally sours. The melting point of Glucono Delta-Lactone is 150 - 154℃ (decomposition). It is freely soluble in water (60 g/ mL of water), sparingly soluble in ethyl alcohol (1g / 100 mL of water), and almost insoluble in ether. It can be hydrolyzed into the balanced solution of Glucono Delta-Lactone and Gluconic acid in aqueous solution. The pH of 1% Glucono Delta-Lactone solution will be 2.5 - 3.5.
Glucono Delta-Lactone is a multifunctional food additive with following applications