Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate USP
Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate USP is a pharmaceutical-grade potassium salt of citric acid, widely used for its alkalinizing, buffering, and chelating properties. It appears as a white crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water. This compound is primarily used to correct metabolic acidosis, act as a urinary alkalinizer, and serve as an additive in pharmaceutical, food, and industrial applications. The USP grade ensures compliance with United States Pharmacopeia standards, guaranteeing high purity and consistent quality.
Primary Uses
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Used as an alkalinizing agent in treatments for kidney stone prevention, urinary tract infections, and metabolic acidosis.
Incorporated in effervescent tablets and powders to provide potassium supplementation and urine alkalization.
Acts as a buffering agent in pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize pH.
Food Industry:
Serves as a food additive to regulate acidity and as an emulsifier in beverages, dairy products, and processed foods.
Used as a sequestrant and stabilizer in canned fruits and jams.
Secondary Uses
Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Used in skin care products as a pH adjuster and buffering agent.
Industrial Applications:
Functions as a chelating agent in cleaning products and detergents to bind metal ions and improve efficacy.
Agriculture:
Occasionally used in fertilizers as a potassium source and pH modifier.
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Tripotassium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate monohydrate
Common/Trade Name: Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate USP
CAS Number: 6100-05-6
HS Code: 2918.16.00
Synonyms: Potassium citrate monohydrate, tripotassium citrate
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules
Color & Odor: White; odorless
Melting Point: Approx. 180 °C (decomposes)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol
pH: Alkaline aqueous solution (pH ~9.0)
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal handling
Toxicity: Low toxicity; considered safe when used as directed
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational limits; standard good practices apply
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture and incompatible substances
Container Type: Sealed plastic bags or drums, moisture-proof packaging preferred
Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust generation and exposure to moisture
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Complies with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards
Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Listed on major chemical inventories including TSCA and REACH
Approved for use in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications as per regulatory requirements
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms
Bioaccumulation: Not significant
PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, and eye protection recommended during handling
Handling Guidelines: Use adequate ventilation to minimize dust exposure
Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and dry
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if adverse effects occur
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers
Hazardous Combustion Products: May emit carbon oxides on decomposition