Razi University

   The synthesis, characterization and evaluation of iron(II) gluconate complex as a biodegradable chelating agent were systematically investigated for potential agricultural applications. Iron(II) gluconate was synthesized via the controlled reaction of ferrous sulfate with sodium gluconate under optimal pH and temperature conditions to ensure high purity and stability of the resulting complex. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed the coordination of the gluconate ligand to the iron ions through the oxygen donor atoms of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. In addition, spectrophotometric analysis was used to detect the complex formation and confirmed the interaction between iron ions and gluconate ligands. Atomic absorption spectroscopy provided quantitative confirmation of the iron incorporation in the complex matrix. Experimental results showed that iron(II) gluconate exhibits a stable coordination structure with remarkable solubility and chelation efficiency, comparable to synthetic agents such as EDTA, but with the significant advantage of biodegradability and environmental safety. Consequently, the synthesized iron(II) gluconate complex can be considered as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic chelates and provide an effective tool for enhancing iron uptake in plants and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in line with environmental protection.