Sodium Citrate

Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid, appearing as a white crystalline powder or granules. Its chemical formula is Na3C6H5O7, and it readily dissolves in water, producing a mildly alkaline solution typically ranging between pH 6.5 and 9.0. This compound is commonly supplied with purity suitable for food and industrial applications, often as an anhydrous or dihydrate form. It is stable under normal storage conditions and should be kept sealed to prevent moisture uptake and caking. Industrial buyers should note that sodium citrate is non-toxic and compatible with water-based processes; however, it should not be stored near strong acids, strong oxidizers, or moisture sources to maintain quality. Typical dosage rates in food and beverage formulations range from 0.2% to 0.5% by weight depending on the acidity balance required. It is also widely employed as a buffering agent across pharmaceuticals and water treatment systems.

Sodium citrate primarily addresses the challenge of controlling acidity in food and beverage products, ensuring consistent taste and preventing spoilage. Its chelating properties allow it to bind metal ions that could otherwise cause undesirable reactions, off-flavors, or product instability. In water treatment and pharmaceutical formulations, precise pH control is critical for efficacy and safety. Sodium citrate’s buffering capacity makes it invaluable in maintaining stable pH levels, preventing scaling in industrial equipment, and enhancing formulation performance, thereby reducing downtime and quality variation.