Glucono delta-lactone Glucono delta-lactone Chemical name D-Glucono-1 , 5-lactone Chemical formula C 6 H 10 O 6 Molecular mass 178.14 g/mol CAS number [ 90-80-2 ] Density x.xxx g/cm 3 Melting point xx.x °C Boiling point xx.x °C SMILES xxx 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 with chemical formula C 6 H 10 O 6 and CAS number 90-80-2 . Pure GDL is a white odorless crystalline powder . Glucono-delta- lactone , upon addition to water readily forms an equilibrium mixture of the lactone GDL and gluconic acid . 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 . Merck 13 , 4469 Beil. 18 , V , 5 , 11 External links Link page to external chemical sources . Categories : Acidifiers | Carbohydrates | Curing agents | Lactones | Pickling agents | Leavening agents | Sequestrants In other languages : Deutsch 