Calcium citrate tetrahydrate
Description
Calcium citrate tetrahydrate (CAS 5785-44-4) is a calcium salt of citric acid used as a mineral supplement, buffering agent, and food additive across multiple industries. It delivers bioavailable calcium while simultaneously controlling pH and chelating metal ions.
Commercially supplied as Calcium Citrate USP, this compound helps prevent the degradation of product quality in various formulations. In food and beverage manufacturing, it functions as a firming agent and acidity regulator.
It is a primary calcium fortification source in products such as juices, dairy alternatives, and infant formula. Pharmaceutical formulators use it as an active calcium supplement ingredient and excipient in tablet and powder dosage forms.
The USP-grade specification supports strict compliance requirements for medicinal products. Water treatment applications rely on its sequestering action to control scale formation and stabilize treatment chemistry effectively.
In personal care formulations, it acts as a pH buffer and stabilizer in creams, lotions, and oral care products. Calcium citrate tetrahydrate is supplied as a white powder available in both pharmaceutical and food-grade specifications.
The USP designation is the most commercially prevalent and referenced in pharmaceutical and food industry procurement. Bulk quantities are standard for industrial buyers, with smaller packaging available for formulators and quality control purposes.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | >300°C |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Color | Clear |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water and hydrochloric acid. |
| pH | 5-6 (20°C, 25g/L in H2O, slurry) |
| Log P | -1.721 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29181500 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
Calcium citrate (USP)|RefChem:1080678|tricalcium;2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate;tetrahydrate|1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, calcium salt (2:3), tetrahydrate|Calcium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate tetrahydrate|1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, calcium salt, hydrate (2:3:4)|Citric acid, calcium salt (2:3), tetrahydrate
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