CDG is a flavor enhancer (E number E623)—it is the calcium analog of monosodium glutamate (MSG).

[2][3] As a soluble source of calcium ions, this chemical is also used as a first-aid treatment for exposure to hydrofluoric acid.

[4] Calcium di-glutamate can be prepared by reacting calcium carbonate with two molar equivalents of glutamic acid:[5] Concentration of the solution to a syrup under reduced pressure, followed by gradual crystallisation, affords the monohydrate.

[5] Structurally, the glutamate anion is zwitterionic, with the amino group protonated (pKa = 9.47) and both carboxylic-acid groups (pKa = 2.10, 4.07) in their deprotonated carboxylate form.

[6] Calcium di-L-glutamate can be used to prepare other glutamates through metathesis with a soluble sulfate, carbonate or hydroxide salt.