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Glucono delta-lactone

Glucono delta-lactone^[1]^[2]

IUPAC name	3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)- 2-tetrahydropyranone
Identifiers
CAS number	90-80-2
PubChem	736
SMILES	C(C1C(C(C(C(=O)O1)O)O)O)O
Properties
Molecular formula	C₆H₁₀O₆
Molar mass	178.14
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) is a naturally-occurring food additive used as a sequestrant, an acidifier, or a curing, pickling, or leavening agent. It is a cyclic ester of D-gluconic acid. Pure GDL is a white odorless crystalline powder.

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GDL is commonly found in honey, fruit juices, and wine. Being acidic, it adds a tangy taste to foods, though it has roughly a third of the sourness of citric acid. It is metabolized to glucose; one gram of GDL is equivalent to one gram of sugar.

Glucono-delta-lactone, upon addition to water readily forms an equilibrium mixture of the lactone GDL and gluconic acid. The rate of hydrolysis of GDL is accelerated by heat and high pH.^[3]