Sodium Citrate, also known as trisodium citrate, is the trisodium salt of citric acid with the molecular formula C₆H₅Na₃O₇ and CAS number 68-04-2. It presents as a white, crystalline powder with a saline, mildly tart flavor. Sodium citrate is one of the most widely used food additives in the world, employed as a buffering agent, emulsifying salt, flavoring agent, and preservative across food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, cleaning, and industrial applications.
Sodium Citrate is available in 25kg, 1,000kg, and 1,100kg bags.
Contact The Chemical Company for current packaging options, lead times and supply chain updates.
Sodium Citrate (C₆H₅Na₃O₇) is a white, odorless crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It is mildly basic and is most commonly encountered in its dihydrate form. Trisodium citrate is the most prevalent of the three sodium salts of citric acid, though the term sodium citrate is commonly used to refer to all three. It is produced commercially by neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
Sodium citrate functions primarily as a buffering agent, used in combination with citric acid to provide precise pH control across a wide range of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations. It is also a powerful chelating agent, capable of binding trace metal ions to prevent oxidation and spoilage.
In the food industry, sodium citrate is widely used as an emulsifying salt in processed cheese products, allowing cheese to melt smoothly without becoming greasy. It is used as a flavoring agent in carbonated beverages, drink mixes, gelatin, ice cream, jams, sweets, milk powder, and wine. In the pharmaceutical industry, the citrate ion chelates calcium ions, reducing the tendency for blood to clot, making sodium citrate a key ingredient in blood anticoagulant formulations. It is also used in effervescent tablets, pH buffering systems, and as a counterion in pharmaceutical salts.
In cleaning and detergent applications, sodium citrate serves as a sequestering builder that reduces water hardness, enhances surfactant performance, and assists in the removal of calcium and rust deposits. In industrial applications, it is used in electroplating baths, textile finishing, construction as a set retardant for gypsum plasters, and in oil recovery and flue gas desulfurization processes.
Sodium Citrate is used across several industries and applications, including:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Sodium Citrate (Trisodium Citrate) |
| CAS Number | 68-04-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₅Na₃O₇ |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Melting Point | 300°C (decomposes) |
| pH (5% solution) | 7.5–9.0 |
| Taste | Saline, mildly tart |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions |
Sodium Citrate is available in a range of packaging formats to meet your operational needs:
Custom packaging and supply solutions are available based on your application and volume requirements. Contact The Chemical Company for current lead times and supply chain updates.
Sodium Citrate is most commonly used as a buffering agent, emulsifying salt, flavoring agent, and preservative in food and beverage products. Key applications include processed cheese, carbonated beverages, drink mixes, and ice cream. It is also widely used in pharmaceuticals as a blood anticoagulant and pH buffer, and in cleaning products as a sequestering builder.
Citric Acid is a weak organic acid with a sharp, sour taste. Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid and is mildly basic with a saline, lightly tart flavor. When used together, they form an effective buffering system capable of maintaining precise pH control across a wide range of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
The CAS number for Sodium Citrate (trisodium citrate) is 68-04-2.
Yes. Sodium Citrate is widely recognized as safe for use in food and beverages and is designated E331 as a food additive. It is used globally across food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and industrial-grade applications.
Sodium Citrate acts as an emulsifying salt in processed cheese, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly and evenly without separating into greasy and watery components. It stabilizes the protein structure of the cheese during heating, producing a uniform, creamy texture.
Sodium Citrate is available in 25kg bags, 1,000kg bags, and 1,100kg bags. Contact The Chemical Company at (401) 360-2800 for current pricing, lead times, and supply chain updates.
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