Ferric ammonium citrate

Ferric ammonium citrate (CAS 1185-57-5), also known by the E-number E381, is a water-soluble iron salt used as a bioavailable iron source and chelating agent.

Where is Ferric ammonium citrate used?

• Food and beverage: iron fortification agent in flour, cereals and infant formula
• Pharmaceuticals: iron source in oral supplements and hematinics
• Water treatment: coagulation aid and sequestrant that prevents iron-related scaling and discoloration
• Agriculture: foliar micronutrient supplement that corrects iron deficiency in high-pH soils
• It delivers controlled iron supplementation and metal sequestration where inorganic iron salts would cause stability or compatibility issues.
• Used as a feed additive.
• Used in making blueprints.

Good to know: Organic iron salts may be favored over sulfate alternatives where solubility and tolerability profiles matter. Color variation in the powder reflects iron content.

Formulation notes

• An acidic salt that reacts as an acid to neutralize bases, generating heat.
• A more dissolvable form of ferric citrate.

Typical specification

• Ammonium iron(III) citrate (Red) is available with an iron content of 20.5 - 22.5 %.
• The assay (iodometric, Fe calculated on dried substance) is 17.1 - 18.9 %.
• Available in brown and green forms.

Regulatory status

• Listed under REACH with code Y113.
• Regulated in the United States under 21 CFR 184.1296 as a food additive / GRAS substance.
• Classified in WGK Germany water hazard class 3.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.