Sodium Citrate丨CAS 68-04-2

1. Food and Beverage Industry
Sodium citrate is widely used in the food and beverage industry due to its multifunctional properties:
● pH Control and Buffering Agent:
Sodium citrate is used to control pH and stabilize acidic conditions, especially in soft drinks, fruit juices, and cheese production.
● Emulsifying Agent in Cheese:
In cheese manufacturing, sodium citrate helps stabilize emulsions in processed cheese, preventing separation and improving texture.
● Flavor Enhancer:
As a flavor enhancer, it is used to balance and enhance sourness in certain beverages and processed foods.
● Preservative:
Due to its ability to lower acidity and chelate metals, sodium citrate is used in preserving canned foods, particularly in jams, jellies, and pickles, extending shelf life.
2. Medical and Pharmaceutical Use
● Anticoagulant in Blood Collection:
Sodium citrate丨CAS 68-04-2 is widely used in medical settings as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes and during blood transfusions to prevent clotting.
● Urinary Alkalinizer:
It is used to treat urinary tract infections and to help reduce kidney stone formation by alkalizing the urine. This helps dissolve certain types of kidney stones (e.g., uric acid stones) and prevent new ones from forming.
● Electrolyte Replenishment:
Sodium citrate is an ingredient in oral rehydration solutions used to replenish electrolytes and fluids lost during dehydration, particularly in conditions like diarrhea and vomiting.
● Buffer in Pharmaceuticals:
It is used as a buffering agent in the preparation of various oral and injectable pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring the stability of active ingredients.
3. Cosmetics and Personal Care
● pH Regulator:
Sodium citrate is used in cosmetics and personal care products like shampoos, lotions, and creams to maintain the pH balance of the product.
● Chelating Agent:
It acts as a chelating agent in personal care formulations, binding to metals that may otherwise cause degradation or unwanted changes in the product's effectiveness or stability.
4. Industrial Applications
● Cleaning and Detergents:
Sodium citrate is used in cleaning agents and detergents as a builder to soften water. It enhances the cleaning power of surfactants and helps in removing stains by binding to metal ions in water.
● Textile Industry:
It is used in the dyeing process in the textile industry to maintain stable pH levels during dyeing and printing of fabrics.
● Water Treatment:
Sodium citrate丨CAS 68-04-2 is used as a chelating agent in water treatment, particularly in preventing scale formation and improving the effectiveness of water softening processes.

1. Versatile Buffering Agent
● Sodium citrate is highly effective as a buffering agent, which helps in maintaining the pH stability of various products, from foods to pharmaceuticals. This is particularly important in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the final product.
2. Food Preservation
● In addition to its role as a pH stabilizer, sodium citrate acts as a preservative, helping to extend shelf life by preventing the growth of spoilage microorganisms, particularly in acidic environments.
3. Health Benefits
● Urinary Alkalinizer:
By alkalizing the urine, sodium citrate can help reduce the formation of uric acid crystals, offering benefits for those suffering from gout or urinary tract infections.
● Rehydration and Electrolyte Balance:
It is a key component in oral rehydration solutions, replenishing lost electrolytes, especially during dehydration or after illness. This is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance and preventing dehydration-related complications.
4. Mild and Safe for Use
● Sodium citrate is generally considered safe for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, with minimal risks of side effects. It is non-toxic and well-tolerated, making it ideal for various applications.
5. Eco-friendly Industrial Use
● As a biodegradable and non-toxic substance, sodium citrate is an environmentally friendly alternative to harsher chemicals used in industrial and cleaning applications, contributing to greener manufacturing processes.

Conclusion
Sodium citrate丨CAS 68-04-2 is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial processes. Its ability to act as a buffer, preservative, and chelating agent makes it an essential ingredient in the food industry for flavor enhancement, medical treatments like rehydration and urinary alkalinization, and in pharmaceutical formulations for stability. Sodium citrate is also environmentally friendly and safe, with minimal side effects, making it a valuable substance in healthcare, cleaning, and industrial sectors.