Diammonium Hydrogen Citrate stands as an important chemical compound with a clear molecular formula: (NH4)2HC6H5O7. It consists of a white to off-white solid, which can present itself in several forms such as powder, flakes, tiny solid pearls, or fine crystals. The compound shows solubility in water and yields a solution suitable for a variety of uses. People often look at its physical form before deciding on a use case. When touched, it displays a stable structure, with no strong odor, and most often comes in secure, sealed packaging as a raw material considered for synthesis or finished formulations.
Examining Diammonium Hydrogen Citrate under a microscope, the crystals reveal a defined structure. The compound's solid density measures around 1.4 grams per cubic centimeter. These figures matter when mixing with liquids or other powders, especially in processes where weight-to-volume considerations affect outcomes. The pH of a standard solution in water tilts toward acidic, coming in around pH 4. The compound dissolves with ease at room temperature. It brings a fine, almost pearl-like powder in some batches, and granular, crystalline chunks in others. Consistency in appearance signals purity, which is key in applications where trace contamination could cause trouble. The chemical formula doesn't just give a number — it reveals the balance between ammonium ions and the citrate backbone, which plays a role in its function across chemical processes.
Once in the warehouse, Diammonium Hydrogen Citrate typically arrives as a solid packed in moisture-resistant bags or drums. The most common purity sits above 99%. A finished batch should show low levels of heavy metals and negligible chloride or sulfate content. The dry form appeals to industries because it stores well. Larger flakes or crystalline granules allow dust-free handling. Each batch gets logged with an HS Code for customs: 2918.15.00, marking it as a distinct citrate salt. A reliable supplier includes a certificate of analysis, which lists moisture content, specific surface area, and trace impurity breakdown. Customers in food, chemical synthesis, or pharmaceuticals each demand different grades, so companies produce technical, food, and pharmaceutical grades. Each grade uses the same base molecular property — the citrate moiety and two ammonium groups.
Diammonium Hydrogen Citrate enters the lab or production line as a fine, light powder; some runs produce flakes or pearls that pour cleanly. Solid or crystal, the density affects dissolution and blending. Shift supervisors watch for caking, which signals moisture or improper packaging. In solution, the compound mixes quickly in water, with a standard solubility well above 300 grams per liter at room temperature. That means it can build up concentrated buffer solutions or act in pH adjustment. Liquid forms usually appear in factory blending tanks, not in shipments. The density — both bulk density in the container and solution density once dissolved — makes a difference in reactor calculations and process throughput.
Safety protocols around Diammonium Hydrogen Citrate follow standard guidelines for handling mild acids and ammonium salts. It lacks the severe hazards that come with more reactive chemicals, but dust can still irritate the respiratory system. Gloves and simple breathing protection are enough for most shop floors. In large quantities, the material stays stable under normal conditions, though long exposure to moisture can lead to clumping or minor surface decomposition. The powder does not readily catch fire and does not carry a major hazard classification under GHS, but users keep it separate from strong oxidizers. Its main risks stem from improper storage or accidental mixing with incompatible substances. Spill cleanup for this solid involves sweeping and careful disposal — most facilities have no trouble meeting industrial hygiene standards.
Industries see Diammonium Hydrogen Citrate as a flexible raw material. Texture and easy solubility mean it works as a buffering agent in food and beverage production, helping maintain acidity in processed products. In technical fields, it fits into electroplating, detergents, and even specialty fertilizers as a chelating or stabilizing agent. Its molecular structure lends itself to functions where controlled release of ammonium ions matters, or where citrate helps break down challenging deposits. Some pharmaceutical preparations depend on its reliable purity and behavior in solution. Each use draws on specific physical features — density, powder texture, easy mixing — not abstract properties. Tracking down a consistent supply means paying attention to origin, batch testing, and packing, as these practical concerns hold more weight than chemical theory in a busy industrial setting.
