Monosodium citrate
CAS Number
18996-35-5
EC Number
242-734-6
What is Monosodium citrate?
Monosodium citrate (CAS 18996-35-5), also known as Sodium dihydrogen citrate and designated E331i, is the monobasic sodium salt of citric acid.
Where is Monosodium citrate used?
- Food and beverage: acidulant and buffer in carbonated drinks, fruit preparations, and dairy-based products
- Pharmaceuticals: pH control in oral solutions, effervescent tablets, and topical preparations
- Personal care: pH adjuster in creams, gels, and cleansing products
- Water treatment: chelating agent that complexes calcium and magnesium ions
- It sequesters metal ions that would otherwise destabilize the formulation.
Good to know: Offers tighter buffering capacity than trisodium citrate. Standard grades include food-grade meeting FCC specifications and pharmaceutical-grade conforming to USP and Ph. Eur. monographs.
Commercial specifications
- Food-grade meeting FCC specifications
- Pharmaceutical-grade conforming to USP and Ph. Eur. monographs
Other Names (Synonyms)
E331i|Sodium dihydrogen citrate|Sodium citrate monobasic|1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, monosodium salt|1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:1)|68538UP9SE|RefChem:159615|Citric acid, monosodium salt
What are the physical properties of Monosodium citrate?
Melting Point 212 °C(lit.)
Appearance white crystalline powder
Color White
Odor Odorless
Form Crystalline Powder
Water Solubility Soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol.
pH 3.5-3.8 (25℃, 50mg/mL in H2O)
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Monosodium citrate?
HS Code 29181500
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 1