Ammonium citrate tribasic

Ammonium citrate tribasic (CAS 3458-72-8, EC 222-394-5), also known as triammonium citrate or ammonium citrate (3:1), is an ammonium salt of citric acid. It carries no assigned E-code and is commercially identified under synonyms including trisamine citrate. The formula C6H8O7.3H3N reflects its 3:1 ammonium-to-citrate ratio.

In water treatment, triammonium citrate sequesters calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scale formation in process equipment. In personal care formulations, it functions as a pH buffer and skin conditioner, stabilising product pH within a defined range. Food-grade applications exploit its chelating action to bind trace metals that would otherwise accelerate oxidative degradation.

Ammonium citrate tribasic is sourced in food-grade and technical-grade forms, with compliance documentation available against FCC and REACH requirements. It is typically supplied as a crystalline powder in 25 kg bags or bulk quantities. Buyers should confirm grade specification against their application requirements prior to ordering.