Sodium Citrate, identified by CAS number 68-04-2, is a widely utilized chemical compound that plays a significant role across various industries, from household detergents to food processing and pharmaceuticals. Understanding its properties, production methods, and reliable sourcing options is crucial for businesses that depend on this versatile ingredient. As a professional chemical manufacturer and supplier, we aim to demystify Sodium Citrate for our B2B clientele.

What is Sodium Citrate? Properties and Characteristics

Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, typically appearing as a white, crystalline granular powder. It is odorless, with a slightly salty taste, and exhibits excellent solubility in water. Its key chemical properties include:

  • Chelating Agent: It effectively binds with multivalent metal ions like calcium and magnesium, which is fundamental to its water-softening capabilities in detergents and its use in preventing scale formation.
  • Buffering Agent: Sodium Citrate helps maintain a stable pH in solutions, making it invaluable for applications requiring precise acidity control, such as in food products, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory reagents.
  • Emulsifier: It aids in creating stable mixtures of oil and water, crucial for products like processed cheese and certain industrial formulations.

Production Process

The production of Sodium Citrate typically involves the neutralization of citric acid with a sodium source, such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. Citric acid itself is commonly produced through the fermentation of carbohydrate sources like molasses using the microorganism Aspergillus niger. The resulting citric acid is then purified and reacted to form Sodium Citrate, which is subsequently crystallized and dried to yield the final product. This process ensures high purity and consistent quality.

Key Applications and Benefits

  • Detergent Auxiliary: Its primary benefit here is water softening, allowing detergents to work more efficiently and serving as an eco-friendly alternative to phosphates.
  • Food and Beverage Industry: Used as an acidity regulator, emulsifier, and preservative to improve texture, flavor, and shelf-life.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Functions as an anticoagulant in blood collection, a urinary alkalinizer, and an excipient in drug formulations.
  • Industrial Uses: Applied in textiles, water treatment, metal cleaning, and various chemical processes for its buffering and chelating properties.

Reliable Sourcing from a Premier Supplier

For businesses requiring a consistent and high-quality supply of Sodium Citrate, partnering with an experienced sodium citrate manufacturer in China is essential. We pride ourselves on offering premium grade Sodium Citrate with guaranteed purity and competitive pricing for bulk purchases. Our robust production capacity and stringent quality control measures ensure that you receive a product that meets your exact specifications, whether for industrial, food, or pharmaceutical applications. We invite you to contact us to buy Sodium Citrate and secure a reliable supply chain partner.