Sodium citrate

Sodium citrate is a chemical compound with the formula Na3C6H5O7. It is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used as a food additive, in pharmaceuticals, and in the laboratory as a buffering agent. Sodium citrate is also known as trisodium citrate and has a salty, slightly tart flavor.

Chemical Properties

Sodium citrate is a salt derived from citric acid. It is a white, crystalline powder that is odorless and has a salty, slightly tart flavor. It is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Sodium citrate has a molecular weight of 258.06 g/mol and a melting point of 300 °C.

Uses

Sodium citrate has a wide range of uses in various industries.

Food Industry

In the food industry, sodium citrate is commonly used as a flavor enhancer, emulsifier, and preservative. It is often found in dairy products, such as cheese and milk, where it acts as a stabilizer and improves the texture and quality of the product. Sodium citrate is also used in beverages, jellies, and jams to regulate acidity and preserve flavor.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium citrate is used as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions, as a pH adjuster in solutions, and as a buffering agent in certain medications. It is also used in the preparation of effervescent tablets, due to its ability to react with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide.

Laboratory Use

In the laboratory, sodium citrate is used as a buffering agent to control the pH of solutions. It is also used in molecular biology, where it is a component of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) buffer.

Health Effects

Sodium citrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, excessive consumption can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes in the body, causing symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea, and weakness. Individuals with kidney disease or those taking certain medications should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming products containing sodium citrate.

See Also

• Citric acid
• Food additive
• Buffer solution
• Polymerase chain reaction

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