What is Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate?

Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate stands out as a chemical compound bridging the benefits of magnesium and citric acid. In practical use, it shows up as a solid powder, typically white or close to it, often sold in flakes, pearls, or crystalline forms. The raw material shows no strong odor, which helps during storage and handling, whether in manufacturing settings or research labs. Commonly, applications focus on magnesium supplementation, water softening, and chemical synthesis. Many people working with minerals know it by its CAS number 144-23-0. For international shipping and regulatory purposes, the HS Code 29181500 fits this compound under carboxylic acids and their derivatives, aligning with customs regulations worldwide.

Properties and Structure

On the molecular level, Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate carries the formula C6H6MgO7, built from two elements with strong roles in both chemical production and human nutrition. The structure forms when one magnesium atom binds with a citric acid group, losing one hydrogen atom in the process. The resulting layout shapes up with three carboxyl groups attached to the central citrate. In both industry and research, folks value Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate because of its ability to form stable solutions in water. Density lands around 1.67 g/cm³, which puts it in the same ballpark as table salt or common lab chemicals. Unlike heavier compounds, this density lets the powder dissolve or disperse easily in water or other polar solvents, which matters a lot during formulation work—whether in supplement pills or in liquid blends. Solubility tends to be high, though exact figures shift with temperature or water hardness. Flakes and pearls serve industries where direct handling or gradual release offers key benefits, while the powder form supports quick mixing and controlled dosing. In many lab benches, crystalline forms stand out for their purity and low moisture.

Specifications and Uses

Manufacturers define Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate by certain specifications. Purity typically runs over 98%, a threshold needed for food and pharmaceutical use. Water content must be below about 10%, since excess moisture lowers shelf life and can spark unwanted reactions. Fine granularity and uniform particle size matter, especially for processes needing precision dosing. Being a raw material, it often shows up in large drums or bags for bulk industry users. Beyond supplementation, this chemical makes its mark in water conditioning, where magnesium content can adjust water hardness without raising sodium levels, offering a clear advantage over traditional softeners. The world of chemical synthesis sees it as a reactant, taking part in reactions that need a mild, buffered source of magnesium ions, especially in processes where citric acid brings additional benefits, like chelation. Nutritionists focus on its role in supplement blends, since the citrate form raises magnesium bioavailability compared to simple mineral salts.

Safety, Hazards, and Handling

Safety matters, and Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate requires a down-to-earth workplace approach. The chemical itself does not present broad acute toxicity; still, nobody wants powders in their eyes or lungs. Direct skin contact usually causes only minor irritation, but gloves and goggles cut down on risks. Dust clouds from pouring large amounts should be managed with local exhaust ventilation, since inhaling fine particulates—even from non-hazardous compounds—never brings good news to workers' health. Material safety data sheets spell out the real hazards: keep the product dry, as it can cake up or turn slimy in humid air; store in sealed containers, away from acids and oxidizers. Though it's not classed as hazardous for shipping in most regions, every workplace using it should keep standard chemical spill kits on hand—better safe than sorry. Accidental ingestion would call for rinsing the mouth and seeking medical advice, especially for people with kidney issues, as excess magnesium can stress those organs. Most environmental evaluations suggest minimal impact, since its elements break down into common, naturally occurring ions, but routine disposal standards for chemical wastes still apply.

Raw Material and Future Outlook

Industries rely on a steady stream of high-purity raw materials, and Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate keeps up thanks to stable sources of both citric acid and magnesium salts. Most producers use magnesium carbonate or hydroxide and mix these with pure citric acid in controlled, aqueous conditions. Product consistency depends on careful process control, so smart buyers keep an eye on supplier quality certificates, batch testing results, and regulatory compliance statements. Supply chain resilience deserves some thought—any hiccup with feedstock quality can throw a wrench into an entire formulation lineup. The conversation about hazardous materials in the workplace often overlooks “mild” chemicals like this one, yet strong procedures for storage, labeling, and training mean fewer accidents with both staff and the products that reach consumers. Looking ahead, new regulations on supplement labeling and water quality could change how Magnesium Hydrogen Citrate gets used, so companies and labs must watch regulatory shifts or face unwanted surprises. The broader trend sees growth in demand for bioavailable magnesium and environmentally friendly water treatment options—fields where this compound already plays a proven role.