Ferric Ammonium Citrate

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Ferric Ammonium Citrate is a dark green to black crystalline or granular inorganic compound composed of iron, ammonium ions, and citrate ions. It is a complex salt of citric acid with ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and ammonium. This compound is highly soluble in water, forming a greenish solution, and is widely utilized as a source of iron in various chemical, pharmaceutical, photographic, and food applications. It acts as a mild oxidizing agent and an iron supplement, valued for its bioavailability and ease of incorporation into formulations. Ferric Ammonium Citrate is typically available in different formulations distinguished by their water and ammonium content, such as green and brown types.

Description

Ferric Ammonium Citrate Uses

Primary Uses 

  1. Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry

    • Used as an iron supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia due to its bioavailable iron content.

    • Incorporated in oral iron preparations and tonics.

    • Utilized in wound healing preparations for its antiseptic properties.

  2. Photography and Imaging

    • Employed in photographic processes such as blueprinting (cyanotype) and iron-based photographic emulsions.

    • Acts as a light-sensitive agent in various iron-citrate photographic materials.

  3. Food Industry

    • Used as a permitted food additive and colorant (E number E381) to provide iron fortification in foods and beverages.

    • Helps prevent iron deficiency in fortified cereals, flours, and dietary supplements.

  4. Chemical Industry

    • Serves as a mild oxidizing agent and catalyst in various chemical syntheses and reactions.

    • Used in dyeing and textile printing processes to fix colors.

  5. Water Treatment

    • Functions in water purification systems as a flocculant or coagulant aid.

 

Secondary Uses 

  1. Biological and Analytical Chemistry

    • Utilized in staining procedures and as a reagent in biochemical assays for detecting iron or citrate.

  2. Cosmetics

    • Incorporated in some cosmetic formulations as a colorant and trace nutrient source.

  3. Agriculture

    • Occasionally used in foliar sprays or soil treatments to correct iron deficiency in plants.

  4. Laboratory Uses

Used as a standard or reagent in research labs studying iron metabolism and oxidation-reduction reactions.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes

    • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ammonium ferric citrate

    • Common/Trade Name: Ferric Ammonium Citrate

    • CAS Number: 603-71-0 (variable by hydrate form)

    • HS Code: 2833.29.00

    • Molecular Formula: Generally variable; common form approx. C6H8O7FeNH4

    • Synonyms: Ferric citrate ammonium salt, iron ammonium citrate

  2. Physical & Chemical Properties

    • Physical State: Dark green to black crystalline granules or powder

    • Odor: Odorless to slight ammoniacal odor

    • Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol and organic solvents

    • Melting Point: Decomposes before melting, around 150–160°C (hydrated forms)

    • pH (aqueous solution): Approximately 3–5 (acidic)

    • Stability: Stable under normal conditions; sensitive to strong heat and light exposure which may cause degradation

    • Appearance in Solution: Forms clear green solutions

  3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

    • Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous but may cause eye and skin irritation

    • Toxicity: Low toxicity; ingestion in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal irritation or iron overload

    • Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established; follow good industrial hygiene practices

  4. Storage & Handling Attributes

    • Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from light and moisture

    • Container Type: Sealed plastic or glass containers, drums or bags depending on quantity

    • Shelf Life: 12–24 months when stored properly

    • Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; prevent contact with eyes and skin

  5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

    • FDA Status: Approved for use as a food additive and pharmaceutical ingredient

    • REACH Registration: Registered under EU chemical regulations

    • Food Additive Code: E381 (used as iron fortifier)

    • Compliance: Meets applicable standards for food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade materials

  6. Environmental & Health Impact

    • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

    • Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate aquatic toxicity; avoid large releases to water bodies

    • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate

    • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

    • Gloves (nitrile or latex)

    • Safety goggles or face shield

    • Lab coat or protective clothing

    • Dust mask or respirator if powder is handled in dusty conditions

  2. Handling Guidelines:

    • Use in well-ventilated areas

    • Avoid inhaling dust or aerosols

    • Prevent skin and eye contact

    • Minimize dust formation

  3. Storage Measures:

    • Keep containers tightly closed

    • Store away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and bases

    • Protect from moisture and direct sunlight

  4. Hygiene Practices:

    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling

    • Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in handling areas

    • Clean work surfaces and equipment regularly

 

First Aid Measures

  1. Inhalation:

    • Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if irritation persists

  2. Skin Contact:

    • Wash affected area with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops

  3. Eye Contact:

    • Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues

  4. Ingestion:

    • Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large amounts ingested or symptoms occur

 

Firefighting Measures

  1. Fire Hazards:

    • Non-flammable but may decompose and release toxic fumes at high temperatures

  2. Extinguishing Media:

    • Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)

  3. Special Precautions:

    • Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing

  4. Decomposition Products:

May release ammonia, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and iron oxides when heated or burning