"B"
You have two specific chemical reactions happening at once in your batter. The Lye and oil & lye and vinegar. I do not believe the Sodium Gluconate, or the activated charcoal are directly involved in the reaction. But they can influence the reactions. I would suggest completing each...
Do you add the SG to the vinegar/NaOH solution? Or do you add the SG to the vinegar and then add the NaOH? The vinegar may have its own reaction with the SG which may change the chemistry a bit. ... Just a guess.
Check out 'Essential Oil University' on Face Book. Search for the company in question. ... The reviews are not too good, but I will let you read for yourself.
When it comes to using chelating agents, what are your preferences? I know some use EDTA others Sodium Citrate. Are there others you prefer to use? Also, why do you prefer one over the other?
I have been using Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide to make my own Sodium Citrate.