Trisodium Citrate
Trisodium Salt
- CAS
- 68-04-2
- EC
- 200-675-3
- Food Code
- E331
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Pharma & Healthcare, Personal Care & Cosmetics
Trisodium Citrate (CAS 68-04-2) is one of the three sodium salts of citric acid, a white to off-white crystalline powder with a saline, mildly tart flavor, used in food processing as an antioxidant and preservative, in pharmaceuticals as a stabilizer, and in cosmetics for anti-aging formulations. It is sometimes referred to simply as "sodium citrate", though sodium citrate can refer to any of the three sodium salts of citric acid. It possesses a saline, mildly tart flavor, and is a mild alkali. It is white, odorless, and has a pH of 7.5-9.0.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C6H8O7.3Na |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 258.07 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Form | Liquid |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | at 100.00?%. odorless |
| Melting point | 300°C |
| Density | 1.23530 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | Soluble in water. |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| GHS signal word | Warning · Irritant / harmful |
| HS code | 29181500 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Trisodium Citrate
Applications
Used as an antioxidant and preservative in food processing to prevent oxidation and discoloration in meats, fruits, and beverages; enhances color stability in cured meats and acts as a curing accelerator; in pharmaceuticals as a stabilizer; in cosmetics for anti-aging formulations; in water treatment as a chelating agent.
Safety & Risks
Low toxicity, GRAS by FDA; may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; avoid contact with strong oxidizers or acids. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA for food use; handle with gloves and goggles; incompatible with metals, may corrode some surfaces; no significant fire hazard but use water spray or CO2 for fires; thermal decomposition can release irritating gases.
Packaging
Supplied in 250g or 500g containers for laboratory use, or bulk in fiber drums; rinse triply for recycling or puncture for sanitary landfill disposal.