Potassium citrate

Potassium citrate (CAS 866-84-2) is a potassium salt of citric acid used in food, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing.

Where is Potassium citrate used?

• Food and beverage: acidity regulator in dairy products, jellies, and low-sodium formulations where sodium-based alternatives are unsuitable
• Food processing: sequestrant that binds calcium and magnesium ions to extend shelf life and improve texture
• Pharmaceuticals: active ingredient in urinary alkalinization products and excipient in effervescent tablets
• Oral solutions: consistent delivery of active compounds
• Personal care: pH control in shampoos, skin creams, and oral care products
• In cosmetic formulations it chelates metal ions that would otherwise degrade active ingredients.
• In coffee creamers it increases stability under heat and reduces the risk of curdling.

Good to know: Monohydrate and anhydrous forms are both commercially available; grade selection typically depends on moisture sensitivity requirements in the target formulation and manufacturing process.

Typical specification

• Anhydrous dietary supplement grade contains about 38% potassium.
• Content on a dry basis is 97.5–100.5%.

Regulatory status

• Designated as food additive E332 in the EU.
• Available in FCC, USP, BP, EP, JP and NF pharmacopoeia grades.
• Anhydrous grade conforming to Ph. Eur. 12th edition is available.

Frequently asked questions about Potassium citrate

In which applications is potassium citrate used to adjust acid-base reaction rates?

It is included in baking powders and baking mixes to precisely adjust acid-base reaction rates.

What is the regulatory status of potassium citrate anhydrous under REACH?

Potassium citrate anhydrous is manufactured in compliance with REACH.

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