Potassium Citrate

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Potassium Citrate is a potassium salt of citric acid, appearing as a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder. It is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications due to its buffering, alkalizing, and sequestrant properties. Potassium Citrate helps regulate acidity and provides potassium ions critical for various biochemical and physiological functions.

Description

 

Primary Uses
Pharmaceuticals and Medicine
Used as an alkalinizing agent to treat metabolic acidosis and kidney stones by increasing urinary pH and citrate levels.

Employed in dietary supplements to provide potassium and citrate for electrolyte balance.

Incorporated in formulations to prevent kidney stone formation and promote urinary tract health.

Food and Beverage Industry
Acts as a food additive (E332) serving as a buffering agent, acidity regulator, and sequestrant in beverages, jams, dairy products, and processed foods.

Enhances flavor stability and prevents crystallization in frozen desserts and confectionery.

Agriculture
Used as a potassium fertilizer supplement to supply essential potassium for crop nutrition.

Functions as a chelating agent to improve micronutrient availability in soil and foliar feeding.

Industrial Applications
Utilized in detergents and cleaning products to soften water and enhance cleaning efficiency.

Acts as a buffering agent in various chemical processes requiring pH control.

 

Secondary Uses
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Added to skincare and cosmetic formulations for pH regulation and mild buffering.

Used in bath salts and therapeutic products for mineral supplementation.

Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry
Used as a standard reagent and buffering agent in biochemical assays and analytical tests.

Animal Feed
Included in animal feed supplements to maintain electrolyte balance and support metabolic functions.

Environmental Applications
Used in wastewater treatment to neutralize acidic effluents and prevent scale formation.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Tripotassium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate

Common/Trade Name: Potassium Citrate

CAS Number: 6100-05-6

HS Code: 2918.14 (Potassium salts of citric acid)

Synonyms: Potassium 3-carboxy-3-hydroxypropanoate; potassium citrate tribasic

Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Solid, crystalline powder or granules

Color & Odor: White; odorless

Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~100 g/100 mL at 20°C)

Melting Point: Decomposes around 300°C

Density: Approximately 1.67 g/cm³

Stability: Stable under normal conditions

Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous; generally safe under normal use

Toxicity: Low toxicity; excessive intake can cause hyperkalemia

Exposure Limits: Standard occupational exposure guidelines apply; avoid inhalation of dust

Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers

Container Type: Plastic or glass containers

Shelf Life: Typically 2–5 years if stored properly

Handling Precautions: Use dust mask and gloves if handling large quantities to prevent irritation

 

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Complies with food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural standards (e.g., FDA, USP, EP)

Approved as a food additive (E332) and pharmaceutical ingredient

 

Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial life

Bioaccumulation: Not significant

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, and eye protection recommended during bulk handling

Handling Guidelines: Avoid dust generation; use in well-ventilated areas

Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and dry

 

First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation occurs

Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops

Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists

Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if large quantities are ingested

 

Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Non-flammable and non-combustible

Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguisher

Special Precautions: None specific to potassium citrate

Hazardous Combustion Products: None