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Magnesium citrate nonahydrate stands out as a hydrated salt formed from magnesium and citric acid. Containing nine molecules of water for every formula unit, this compound takes on the molecular formula C6H6MgO7 · 9H2O and presents a molecular weight of about 451.14 g/mol. Its name points to its high water content, setting it apart from other forms of magnesium citrate used in food, medicine, or industrial processes. In hand, it appears as transparent, colorless crystals or white powder. Anyone who has worked in laboratories will recognize its characteristic flaky or crystalline solid nature, and the way it readily absorbs moisture from air. These features step directly from the structure, with citric acid chains bound to magnesium ions, surrounded by an organized envelope of water molecules. The presence of so much water directly affects not only its stability but also its behavior in solution—a factor that becomes decisive for anyone blending it with other raw materials or formulating it into a product.
Handling actual magnesium citrate nonahydrate reveals a soft, crystalline powder that flows easily yet clumps if left open to air too long, thanks to its high hydration. Its density measures approximately 1.66 g/cm³. Dissolving it in water creates a nearly clear solution, with moderate solubility—around 42 g per liter at room temperature—lower than many other magnesium salts due to the bulky citrate anion and the hydration shell. In terms of material safety, producers need to pay attention: this compound doesn’t burn or react violently, but like most chemical powders, it creates dust if handled carelessly, and high concentrations could irritate respiratory passages or eyes. Its flakes, powder, or crystalline pearls can be packaged, stored, and shipped safely under normal conditions, though people should wear protective gloves and goggles if transferring large quantities. Intense heat can drive off the water content and change its structure, which matters in high-temperature industrial or chemical processes.
The backbone of magnesium citrate nonahydrate comes from a careful balance between citric acid—a weak, natural acid found in citrus fruits—and a magnesium source, usually magnesium oxide or magnesium carbonate. Mixing these raw materials in water and allowing the solution to crystallize at controlled temperatures leads to the familiar flaky or powdery crystals. Its structure relies on four carboxylate groups of citric acid binding to the magnesium ions, giving rise to a stable and robust lattice, stabilized further by the nine water molecules per formula unit. The combination of these raw ingredients, when manipulated by skilled chemists, produces a magnesium compound used both in food supplements and as a safe source of magnesium in pharmaceuticals or lab work.
Buyers who seek magnesium citrate nonahydrate will encounter several commercial grades, all described according to purity, granulation, and particle size. The compound is distributed as a fine, almost talc-like powder, sizable grains, or translucent crystalline flakes. Some suppliers even provide specialized pearls for applications desiring slow dissolution or smooth consistency in suspensions or blends. Each package typically states the minimum magnesium content, maximum moisture content, heavy metal limits, and microbial quality. Although used for precise chemical reactions, food fortification, or pharmaceutical ingredients, the base chemical remains the same. Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) for this substance reflect the low acute toxicity and low environmental hazard, placing it below the risk profile of many comparable mineral supplements. For anyone needing export documentation, the recognized HS Code for magnesium citrate nonahydrate is 291815, which covers salts and esters of citric acid.
Magnesium citrate nonahydrate meets demand in several key industries. In food production, it acts as a nutritional supplement, addressing magnesium deficiency that remains widespread due to poor dietary habits. As a mildly acidic salt, it blends readily with liquids, though attention must be paid to its water content if precision dosing or formulation matters. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it for its solubility and good bioavailability, meaning the body absorbs it with little waste. In laboratories, it serves as a source of magnesium ions in buffers or analytical solutions, valued for being less corrosive than chloride or sulfate alternatives and offering milder taste in oral preparations. Safety remains a priority: personnel should always work upwind of powder transfers, avoid inhaling dust, and store any open containers in cool, dry places. While ingestion of regulated amounts remains safe, overconsumption could cause digestive discomfort or diarrhea—real-world issues often overlooked in sterile data sheets but all too familiar to anyone who has experimented with supplement dosages firsthand. Environmental health checks show it is not considered hazardous or harmful if released in moderate amounts, given its rapid breakdown in soil and water; even so, consistent with good laboratory practice, avoid direct release of large quantities.
Chemical formula: C6H6MgO7 · 9H2O
Molecular mass: 451.14 g/mol
Physical forms: Colorless or white crystals, powder, flakes, pearls
Density: About 1.66 g/cm³
Solubility: Moderate; about 42 g/L in water
Nature: Non-flammable, non-volatile, mild taste, slightly acidic solution
Safe handling: Use gloves, avoid dust inhalation, store dry
Hazard profile: Low toxicity, minimal environmental impact, possible mild irritant
HS Code: 291815
Magnesium citrate nonahydrate works without the fanfare given to trendier or higher-margin chemicals, yet its role in community health, science, and technical manufacturing cannot be overlooked. Having handled many laboratory chemicals, I’ve learned how easy it becomes to take simple salts for granted. Each time magnesium citrate nonahydrate performs in a tablet, drink, or buffer, there stands a supply chain built around quality control, smart packaging, clear labeling, and care for users’ safety. Calls for product transparency, material quality, and regulatory compliance add to its value, pushing suppliers to keep up with industry standards and customer expectations. Reliable sourcing, clear documentation, and education about proper handling set a solid foundation for continued safe use. Problems with moisture absorption, product degradation, or inconsistent purity can be solved through new drying and packaging techniques, better supply chain tracking, and greater investment in user education across industries.
