Potassium Citrate
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.
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.
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
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