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Potassium citrate is a versatile chemical salt used in a variety of applications. As a buffer, complexing agent, and acid regulator, it is used in industry, cosmetics, and pharmacy. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the technical properties and applications of potassium citrate.

What is potassium citrate?

Potassium citrate is the potassium salt of citric acid and has the chemical formula K₃C₆H₅O₇. It is a white, crystalline powder with a slightly salty taste. Potassium citrate is well soluble in water and forms a slightly basic solution.

Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid found in many fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes. Potassium citrate is formed by neutralizing citric acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate.

Technical properties of potassium citrate

Potassium citrate is characterized by the following important properties:

pH buffer effect

Potassium citrate is an effective pH buffer and can stabilize the pH value in aqueous solutions in a slightly basic range from 7 to 8. This property makes it an important aid in industry, cosmetics, and pharmacy.

Complex formation

Potassium citrate is capable of complexing metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, or iron and keeping them in solution. This prevents the precipitation of these ions and it is used as a water softener or stabilizer.

Antioxidant effect

Potassium citrate has an antioxidant effect and can thus extend the shelf life of products by preventing the oxidation of sensitive ingredients.

Crystallization inhibition

Potassium citrate disrupts the crystallization of salts and minerals, making it an important component of cleaning agents, descalers, and antiscalants.

Flavor enhancement

In small amounts, potassium citrate can improve the taste of foods and beverages by enhancing the perception of sweetness, acidity, and saltiness.

Applications of potassium citrate

Due to its diverse properties, potassium citrate is used in numerous industries and products:

Chemical Industry

In the chemical industry, potassium citrate serves as a pH buffer, complexing agent, and antioxidant. It is used in cleaning agents, descalers, water treatment agents, cooling lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors.

Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

In the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry, the pH buffering effect and complexing properties of potassium citrate are utilized. It is used in creams, lotions, shampoos, toothpastes, medicines, and dietary supplements.

Food industry

In the food industry, potassium citrate is used as an acidity regulator, flavor enhancer, and preservative. It is used in beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and ready meals.

Technical applications

In addition to the above-mentioned areas of application, potassium citrate is also used as a flame retardant, plasticizer, defoamer, and release agent in technical products.

Advantages of potassium citrate

The advantages of potassium citrate can be summarized as follows:

• Multifunctional range of applications as a pH buffer, complexing agent, antioxidant, and crystallization inhibitor
• High solubility in water and formation of mildly basic solutions
• Natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly salt
• Flavor-enhancing effect in food
• Good compatibility in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

Due to these diverse advantages, potassium citrate is a valuable excipient in numerous industries and products. Whether in cleaning agents, cosmetics, or food – potassium citrate is a true all-rounder that can significantly enhance the quality and functionality of products.

Conclusion

Potassium citrate is a versatile chemical salt with a variety of useful properties. As a pH buffer, complexing agent, antioxidant, and crystallization inhibitor, it finds wide application in industry, cosmetics, and food processing. With its multifunctionality, environmental friendliness, and good compatibility, potassium citrate is a valuable excipient that can significantly improve the quality and functionality of numerous products.