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

Potassium Citrate

Primary Uses

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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 

  1. 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.
  1. Laboratory and Analytical Chemistry
  • Used as a standard reagent and buffering agent in biochemical assays and analytical tests.
  1. Animal Feed
  • Included in animal feed supplements to maintain electrolyte balance and support metabolic functions.
  1. Environmental Applications
  • Used in wastewater treatment to neutralize acidic effluents and prevent scale formation.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Complies with food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural standards (e.g., FDA, USP, EP)
  • Approved as a food additive (E332) and pharmaceutical ingredient

6. 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