Disodium citrate
Disodium citrate is a sodium acid salt of citric acid with the chemical formula Na2C6H6O7. It is commonly used in the food and beverage industry as an emulsifier, buffer, and sequestrant. Disodium citrate is also utilized in the pharmaceutical industry and in various industrial applications.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Disodium citrate is a white, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. It has a slightly salty taste and is odorless. The compound is formed by the neutralization of citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Food and Beverage Industry[edit | edit source]
In the food and beverage industry, disodium citrate is used as an emulsifier to maintain the consistency of products such as processed cheese, ice cream, and carbonated beverages. It acts as a buffer to control the pH levels in various food products, ensuring stability and extending shelf life. Additionally, it serves as a sequestrant to bind metal ions, preventing them from affecting the color, flavor, and texture of food.
Pharmaceutical Industry[edit | edit source]
In the pharmaceutical industry, disodium citrate is used as an excipient in the formulation of various medications. It helps to stabilize active ingredients and improve the taste of oral medications. It is also used in anticoagulant solutions for blood storage and in effervescent tablets.
Industrial Applications[edit | edit source]
Disodium citrate is used in various industrial applications, including detergents, cleaning agents, and water treatment. It acts as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, enhancing the effectiveness of cleaning agents and preventing scale formation in water systems.
Safety and Handling[edit | edit source]
Disodium citrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices. However, it should be handled with care to avoid inhalation or contact with skin and eyes. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used when handling the compound.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
