Ammonium Ferric Citrate goes by many names, but at its core, it brings together iron, ammonium, and citric acid in a single compound. Its chemical formula looks like this: C6H8FeNO7. You notice it in different forms: dark brown or yellowish-green solid flakes, granules, and crystals. Chemists first noticed its ability to hold iron in solution, and that made it a useful raw material in more industries than most people might expect. Its HS code, 3824.90, places it among chemical preparations, and this speaks to its wide span across different markets.
Ammonium Ferric Citrate often appears as a shiny solid, usually as green or red-brown powder, sometimes as crystals. It has a molecular weight of 284.06 g/mol, and its structure centers around a ferric ion complexed with citric acid and held together by ammonium ions. It dissolves quickly in water, giving a mildly acidic solution with a density around 1.8 grams per cubic centimeter for the solid form. In the lab, its solution looks clear with a characteristic yellow-tinted hue. Its solubility makes it an attractive solution for many processes, from water purification to photography. Material science classes teach its crystal lattice structure, a complex network that allows iron to stay in a stable, usable ionic state, something industries depend on when other iron salts prove unreliable.
With a strong iron presence, Ammonium Ferric Citrate reacts with certain reducing agents, releasing iron easily to fuel processes like cyanotype printing and medical imaging. Its most obvious value comes from easy iron availability without the harshness of traditional iron salts. It shines in analytical chemistry, water treatment, and food fortification — just look at how breakfast cereals list it as an ingredient. Food and pharmaceutical factories appreciate its safety profile when meeting regulatory standards. In photography labs, the compound provides vital ingredients for blueprints, allowing artists and architects alike to create detailed prints.
You find Ammonium Ferric Citrate in flakes, powder, crystals, and pearl-like beads. This range comes from the drying and crystallization process and creates the flexibility needed for different manufacturing steps. Bulk deliveries favor powder or crystalline form for easy handling and dissolution, while laboratories may reach for pearl or flake material for controlled reactions. Some versions ship as a hydrated solid; others as a dry, free-flowing powder. Industrial standards cite purity over 97% for food and pharmaceutical uses. Its density varies slightly by hydration, often prompting manufacturers to check every lot before use. Packaged and transported in airtight containers, Ammonium Ferric Citrate keeps well in a cool, dry environment. Exposure to air and moisture tends to cause clumping, so dry storage becomes a priority.
For all its utility, Ammonium Ferric Citrate deserves respect in handling. Most health and safety documentation lists it as a mild irritant. If it touches skin or eyes, mild discomfort sometimes follows, and accidental ingestion in large quantities may cause stomach pain or other digestive issues. In powder form, dust can irritate lungs if inhaled, much like many other fine industrial materials. Workers wear gloves and masks not because it is especially hazardous, but because repeated contact, like with any chemical, creates a risk. Although not listed as a hazardous material for transport, best practice means using proper labeling, good ventilation, and secure packaging. Food-grade batches pass rigorous impurity tests, since the tolerance for heavy metals stays low. The MSDS classifies it as a non-flammable solid, but, as with all chemicals, fire safety measures still matter.
In countless food facilities, I noticed how tightly regulated ingredients like Ammonium Ferric Citrate become. Because it fortifies food with iron, the impact of quality and contamination don’t stay hidden for long. Having seen production line recalls triggered by iron content inconsistencies, I value strict controls and vendor transparency. In water treatment plants, the compound enters large tanks to help settle out impurities, giving clean, clear water where untreated sources looked brown or cloudy. People rely on it for more than chemistry — in the real world, its job becomes personal. Families in rural areas often benefit most from projects using Ammonium Ferric Citrate for iron deficiency, turning an abstract formula into better health on dinner plates. These successes make clear why accurate labeling, thoughtful sourcing, and safety oversight remain key at every stage.
Challenges emerge mainly with purity levels and safe handling. Solving these starts with supplier audits, transparent batch records, and third-party testing before product release. For any manufacturing group, installing local exhaust or sealed systems reduces airborne dust, which cuts down on irritation hazards for workers. Food and pharmaceutical teams rely on traceability systems, linking every lot back to documented analysis. In smaller operations without big budgets, investing in proper packaging and employee education makes a difference — each spill or handling mistake avoided saves money, time, and reputation. The industry as a whole benefits from updated international standards on purity and a steady exchange of real-world incident reports, not just theoretical ones. With better communication, everyone stays safer, and customers count on consistent, high-quality iron sources in their food and water.
