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Potassium Citrate takes form as a white, crystalline material and functions as a potassium salt of citric acid. Commonly found in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, it blends potassium ion with citrate, giving it a multi-purpose chemical edge. Its widespread use shows up in water softening, buffering solutions, pharmaceuticals, and, at times, as a food additive. The product brings together potassium – an essential mineral for nerve function and muscle control – with citrate, known for its ability to regulate acidity. The CAS Number assigned is 6100-05-6, and its HS Code stands as 29181500. It appears in several physical forms, including solid, powder, flakes, pearls, and sometimes dissolved as a liquid solution.
Looking at Potassium Citrate under the microscope or the scale, you notice its density sits between 1.98 – 2.0 g/cm³ at 20°C. The solid form feels a bit slippery, almost soapy. The crystals often appear translucent, sometimes clear, other times carrying a slight haze depending on processing. Its formula, K3C6H5O7, gives insight into its three-part potassium base. It dissolves easily in water, leaving no residue, and a 10% solution holds a nearly neutral to mildly alkaline pH – typically ranging from 7.5 to 9.0, making it suitable as a buffering agent, especially in medical and food applications. The molecular weight measures about 306.39 g/mol. Solid Potassium Citrate resists moisture up to a point, but extended exposure to humid air can cause it to clump or form soft masses, making handling sometimes challenging in less-than-ideal storage.
Whether it comes as powder, large flakes, tiny pearls, or in solid blocks, Potassium Citrate keeps its structure unless exposed to severe heat – melting occurs at roughly 230°C, above which it starts to decompose, releasing fumes that can irritate airways. Its crystalline structure gives it reliable solubility and a predictable reaction profile in both industrial and laboratory settings. When sold as a solution, concentrations typically hit 30-45% by weight in water, making it easier to dispense in liquid processes, pharmaceuticals, or beverage additions. Solid and powder forms favor bulk transport and long shelf lives. Pearls suit applications needing slow dissolving granules.
Commercial samples reach purity levels exceeding 99%, often graded “food-grade” or “pharmaceutical-grade” depending on their end use. Inspection usually tracks moisture (max 4%), chloride (max 0.005%), sulfate (max 0.015%), and heavy metals, which should be under 10 ppm for food and medicinal applications. Some batches carry certificates stating compliance with FCC, USP, or EP standards. Consistency in granule size helps processors in beverage or medical manufacturing, while flakes and powders lend themselves to blending or tableting.
Solid Potassium Citrate is dense, not prone to dust unless ground into very fine powder. Handling in bulk needs care to prevent spillages, but nuisance dust rarely builds up under typical conditions. The material stores best in airtight containers, away from light and in a cool, dry spot. Flakes or crystals require scoops or precise feeding equipment to avoid jammed augers or blocked lines. Liquid solution ships in food-grade plastic or stainless drums or totes, relying on chemical compatibility and tight seals to avoid contamination.
Potassium Citrate does not rank among highly hazardous chemicals, but like most chemical salts, misuse or major overexposure carries risks. Prolonged or accidental inhalation of dust might lead to coughing or throat irritation. Overconsumption creates concern, especially for people with kidney, heart, or adrenal conditions, as potassium can disrupt natural balances, potentially leading to hyperkalemia. Contact with eyes may cause mild pain or irritation, while contact with skin rarely triggers reactions but can for sensitive individuals. Good safety habits – gloves, goggles, and working in ventilated spaces – serve as common sense measures. Spills clean up with water for solids or absorbent material for solutions. Staff handling large packages or solutions also need training on basic first-aid and safe chemical disposal practices, aligned with local rules. Environmental release rarely presents problems, as potassium and citrate ions both degrade naturally, but large-scale spills near water sources should be avoided. Transport sits under routine chemical rules, not hazardous classes.
Manufacturers rely on citric acid and potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide to produce Potassium Citrate through neutralization and crystallization. The process avoids particularly toxic intermediates or waste, which speaks to its acceptance for food and medical use. Product quality tracks closely to raw material purity; substandard potassium or impure citric acid introduces heavy metals or organic residues that no amount of later cleaning will fix. Reliable supply chains for both starting reagents matter not only for price but also for traceability under stricter regulatory regimes.
Potassium Citrate takes on varied roles across food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its main role in drinks includes buffering pH, improving taste, and helping maintain shelf stability. In processed foods, it acts as both an acidity regulator and a source of potassium, supporting better nutritional profiles in low-sodium products. Hospitals and clinics use it to treat certain kinds of kidney stones by raising urinary pH. Some labs use it to prepare specific chemical standards or calibration solutions for analytical work. In everyday use, it seldom brings much direct risk, but product handlers always benefit from a solid background in chemical hygiene, reading safety sheets, and tracking technical specifications from batch to batch.
Working in labs and small-scale production lines, you learn that Potassium Citrate rewards careful scoop work and dry storage. The material clumps quickly even with half-open bags near humidifiers or summer doors. No one likes wrestling with rock-hard chunks when you need a measured spoonful for a quick pH adjustment. For larger plants, feeding powdered Potassium Citrate into mixers can raise dust that sets off alarms with unswept exhaust fans, so regular cleaning solves real headaches. Quality control pays off: tiny losses in purity translate into trouble for food and medical products when legal standards come calling. From a user’s view, clear labeling, updated Safety Data Sheets, and honest supplier communication keep everyone out of regulatory tangles.
Potassium Citrate stands out as a respected, widely used chemical with clear physical properties and tangible benefits across fields. Real-world handling experience, strict adherence to safety protocols, and a solid understanding of its chemical nature form a good recipe for successful, safe use in any industrial or laboratory situation. Care in sourcing, storage, and process management makes Potassium Citrate an essential – but manageable – tool for science and industry.
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