Lactobionic acid (C12H22O12) is a disaccharide obtained from the oxidation of lactose. Chemically, Lactobionic acid is made up of a galactose moiety that is bonded to a gluconic acid molecule through an ether-like bond. The compound can be dehydrated to a lactone. Lactobionic acid is widely used in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries due to its chelating, emulsifying, humectant and chelating properties. Lactobionic acid and its constituent salts are essential as food additives due to excellent solubility, good taste, and health-promoting aspects. The compound may also be essential in the synthesis of targetable and biocompatible drug delivery systems.
