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Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate comes from citric acid, presenting a reliable source of calcium in many industries. The formula sits as Ca3(C6H5O7)2·4H2O, holding four water molecules for every calcium citrate unit. In practical terms, this means the compound feels heavier than the anhydrous form, and these water molecules play a part both in behavior during processing and in shelf stability. Physical inspection shows a white or off-white solid, sometimes taking the form of flakes, crystals, or fine powder. Each form speaks to handling conditions and intended uses, so manufacturers and buyers rightly factor in the available structure when sourcing the raw material. Medical products, food fortification, and technical industries often lean toward the powder or crystal configurations for their consistent dispersion in solutions or mixtures.
Through daily work in the lab and in industrial settings, it becomes clear that Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate benefits from a well-defined crystal structure. This structure lends itself to predictable solubility outcomes, with higher water content translating to easier handling in wet processes. Density sits around 1.63 g/cm³, so transportation and storage require planning—especially when moving large quantities of the material as flakes or crystals. The substance shows no strong smell, feels just slightly gritty, and stores well in sealed containers away from humidity. In powdered form, dust may rise during transfer, so proper ventilation and dust control stand as basic safety measures.
Experienced formulators and buyers watch for purity levels listed in accompanying documentation, as this impacts product quality, especially for pharmaceutical or nutritional applications. Impurities such as heavy metals or unreacted acids call for tight controls in supply chains. From a chemical perspective, Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate remains stable under standard conditions, resisting breakdown unless exposed to strong acids or extreme heat. Solubility in water, although better than simple calcium carbonate, does not approach the levels seen in more reactive compounds—it dissolves slowly, favoring warm or agitated solutions. This tendency shapes choices for liquid applications or rapid dissolution scenarios. Some manufacturers offer the material in various mesh sizes, yielding either coarse flakes or fine powders depending on process needs.
Standard trade identifies Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate with HS Code 29181500, placing it among carboxylic acid salts. Clear classification matters for customs, safety documentation, and regulatory compliance, whether shipping solids in bags, loose powder in drums, or bulk crystals in lined containers. Bags often weigh 25 kg, and drums can hold up to 50 kg, with inner linings to prevent contact with air and moisture. Materials testers recommend periodic checks on moisture content, since the tetrahydrate label means four water molecules cling tightly to the parent structure, but can slowly evaporate if left exposed.
Working with Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate rarely brings acute hazards. Skin contact and inhalation of the dust can cause mild irritation; nothing in the chemical points to severe toxicity or chronic harmful effects under normal use. Still, industrial hygiene protocols push for eye protection, gloves, and particulate masks whenever workers handle open powder or moving flake material. Ingestion in food-grade settings gets thorough regulatory review, and the compound sees routine use as a safe calcium fortifier. Large accidental releases require dry cleanup and proper disposal methods, with spills swept and collected to avoid unnecessary dust. Storage in cool, dry spaces keeps product stable, and clear labeling reduces mix-ups with other calcium salts that may not meet the same purity or hydrated state profile.
The molecular weight of Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate reaches about 570.5 g/mol, capturing the four water molecules in each unit. Analytical chemists appreciate the full molecular formula: C12H14Ca3O14, with precise calculation supporting mix design and fortification plans. Thermal analysis proves that heating leads to dehydration, so careful temperature control remains critical for any process involving dry blending or thermal treatment. Laboratories performing X-ray diffraction can confirm the signature crystal pattern, giving users reliable confidence in product identity and performance. Material scientists recognize this salt for its low reactivity in dry form, easy mixing with other powdered nutrients or fillers, and broad compatibility in aqueous formulations thanks to neutral pH.
Manufacturers use Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate as a dependable raw material for dietary supplements, food fortification, pharmaceutical applications, and agricultural blends. Its gentle reaction with acids in the digestive tract makes it popular in calcium tablets, chewables, and enhanced food products. Technical grades enter ceramics and animal feed, offering a consistent calcium source that disperses without caking. The hydrous form balances the need for flow during large-batch handling and avoids dust build-up. Buyers look for certificates of analysis to confirm the right hydration state, absence of hazardous contaminants, and guaranteed purity—critical for consumer-facing products where health claims or label accuracy matter.
Blending or dissolving Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate in water gives a slightly cloudy suspension rather than a clear liquid, as much of the compound only dissolves slowly. Heating helps; stirring or mechanical agitation speeds up dissolution during batch manufacturing. Operators working at scale will notice that dense, tightly packed solid particles can settle unless agitated, so vessels require adequate mixing equipment. In food and beverage processing lines, tank geometry and impeller choice influence both dissolution rate and consistency. The difference between solid, powder, and flake forms becomes obvious during these processes—fluffy powders mingle faster, while dense crystals need more time and energy.
Large-scale producers in China, India, the United States, and Europe all deliver Calcium Citrate Tetrahydrate at commercial scale. Traceability and consistent specification matter for industries facing regulatory checks, especially pharmaceutical and nutraceutical brands. Regular supply contracts help offset raw material price swings, and quality teams pursue audited sourcing with documentation for every batch. Buyers facing logistics or customs issues reference the HS Code throughout the chain. The market expects transparent safety data sheets, hazard communication, and clear disclosure of storage and handling advisories for staff at every level. Material shipped in sealed, moisture-resistant bags gives the best result on arrival—absorbed moisture or accidental drying during transit reduces product shelf life.
