Trisodium citrate

Chemical and Physical Properties

Chemical Name: Trisodium citrate
Chemical Formula: Na₃C₆H₅O₇
Molecular Weight: 258.07 g/mol
Structure: Sodium citrate consists of three sodium cations (Na⁺) and the citrate anion (C₆H₅O₇³⁻).
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules.
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol.
Melting Point: 300°C (572°F) (decomposes).

Food Industry Applications

Emulsifier

Sodium citrate helps stabilize emulsions by preventing the separation of oil and water components. This is particularly important in processed cheese, sauces, and salad dressings.

Buffering Agent

It maintains the desired pH in various food products, ensuring stability and extending shelf life. It is especially useful in beverages, dairy products, and canned foods.

Flavoring Agent

Sodium citrate imparts a tangy or sour taste, enhancing the flavor profile of soft drinks, candies, and gelatin desserts.

Preservative

By inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and molds, sodium citrate helps to preserve the freshness and quality of food items.

Customs Brokerage

Expert handling of customs regulations to expedite imports and exports seamlessly.

Customs Brokerage

Expert handling of customs regulations to expedite imports and exports seamlessly.

Warehousing & Distribution

Secure storage and strategic distribution to optimize supply chain logistics.

Commitment to Quality and Compliance

Upholding the highest standards of quality control and regulatory compliance in every aspect of our operations

Documentation Services

Streamlined paperwork management to navigate international trade regulations

Packaging & Labeling

Customized packaging and labeling solutions to meet international standards

Product Sourcing

Identification and sourcing of suppliers globally to meet specific product requirements

Medical Applications

Anticoagulant:
- In medical settings, sodium citrate is used in blood collection tubes and bags to prevent blood from clotting. It works by binding calcium ions, which are essential for blood clotting.
Urinary Alkalinizer:
- Sodium citrate is prescribed to patients with metabolic acidosis or urinary tract infections to increase the pH of urine, reducing acidity and discomfort.
Electrolyte Replacement:
- It is included in oral rehydration solutions to help restore electrolyte balance in patients suffering from dehydration, especially due to diarrhea or vomiting.

Industrial Applications

Buffer Solution:
- In laboratories, sodium citrate is used to prepare buffer solutions for various biochemical and molecular biology experiments, maintaining a stable pH environment.
Chelating Agent:
- It can chelate (bind) metal ions, making it useful in industrial processes such as water treatment, where it helps to remove unwanted metal ions from solutions.

Safety and Handling

Safety: Sodium citrate is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies when used in appropriate amounts. However, excessive intake can lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition characterized by elevated blood pH.
Handling: When handling sodium citrate, especially in large quantities, it is important to avoid inhalation of dust and prolonged contact with skin and eyes. Protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and goggles should be used.

Pharmacology and Biochemistry

Mechanism of Action: As a citrate salt, sodium citrate acts by binding calcium ions, thereby affecting various biochemical processes, including blood clotting and cellular energy production (Krebs cycle).
Metabolism: Sodium citrate is metabolized in the body to bicarbonate, which can help to neutralize acid in the blood and urine.

Environmental Impact

Biodegradability: Sodium citrate is readily biodegradable and does not persist in the environment.
Ecotoxicity: It has low toxicity to aquatic life when used in recommended amounts, making it an environmentally friendly additive in various applications.

Summary

Sodium citrate is a versatile compound with applications spanning the food industry, medical field, and industrial processes. Its ability to act as an emulsifier, buffering agent, anticoagulant, and chelating agent makes it invaluable in many contexts. While generally safe, it should be handled with care to avoid potential health risks associated with excessive exposure.