Calcium gluconate is an organic calcium salt with the chemical formula C12H22O14Ca. It appears as a white crystalline or granular powder with a melting point of 201°C (at which it decomposes). It is odorless and tasteless, and is readily soluble in boiling water (20g/100mL) and slightly soluble in cold water (3g/100mL at 20°C). It is insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol or ether. The aqueous solution is neutral (with a pH of about 6-7). Calcium gluconate is primarily used as a calcium fortifier and nutritional supplement in food, as well as a buffering agent, curing agent, and chelating agent.