Manganese Citrate comes from the combination of manganese metal and citric acid, offering a compound that finds its value in nutrition, chemical synthesis, and industrial processes. The structure includes three carboxyl groups and hydroxyl coordination, providing high aqueous solubility and a reactive surface for further processing. The molecular formula reads C12H10Mn3O14, with a precise molar mass of 535.96 g/mol, giving a strong base for chemical calculation and formulation in both laboratory and manufacturing settings.
You can recognize Manganese Citrate by a range of forms: light violet flakes, fine powder, clear liquid concentrate, crystalline pearls, or compact solid blocks. Each form offers different handling and storage requirements. The powder settles quickly, airy and prone to dust—easy to weigh, quick to dissolve, and fits well for fertilizer premixes or dietary blends. Flakes and crystals stick together under high humidity, often demanding careful sealing and moisture protection. Pearls provide a denser, bead-like version, reducing airborne particles. Liquid solutions dissolve fully in water or other compatible carriers, enabling direct dosing and uniform application, but need safe, corrosion-resistant containers for storage. Each material form controls the way people measure, transport, and apply the chemical, highlighting the importance of choosing based on use-case demands rather than tradition or convenience.
Typical density values shift across forms: a fine powder may measure between 1.7 and 1.9 g/cm³ at room temperature, while hydrated crystals rise closer to 2.1 g/cm³. In solution, a 1-liter batch may deliver 30 g Mn by weight, depending on preparation purity and solvent composition. In my direct work with chelated minerals, I've relied on the lower density powder for rapid mixing, while the slower-dissolving crystals ensure a controlled release in water treatments. Water solubility remains key—over 80 g/L at 25°C—suiting agricultural foliar sprays and nutritional additives. Temperature shifts slightly adjust density, so precise weighing and temperature control add reliability to any process involving this compound.
Looking at the atomic structure, manganese holds a +2 oxidation state, locked by citrate anions that provide extra stability and reduce reactivity when handled under room conditions. This layered bonding not only prevents unwanted oxidation but also improves biological uptake when the compound acts as a micronutrient. Manganese’s presence is critical for plant photosynthesis and enzyme systems—insight gained from years in academia and horticulture. The molecular arrangement supports both reactivity and shelf-life, a factor behind the chemical’s growing use in high-precision fertilizer programs. Each structure type—whether microcrystalline, amorphous, or compacted—affects dissolution rate, raising questions on best-practices for feed and hydroponic systems.
Working with Manganese Citrate means understanding its hazard profile. Like many metal chelates, dust inhalation and eye contact cause irritation. In concentrated forms, digestive ingestion causes mild toxicity and stomach discomfort, calling for protective gloves and masks during weighing or mixing. Strong ventilation helps in industrial settings. The HS Code—28332990 under international trade law—identifies Manganese Citrate as a manganese compound, allowing smooth shipment but flagging it for toxicological checks and customs documentation. Raw manganese, left unchecked, can pose neurological risks over long-term exposure; citrate chelation improves safety but doesn’t eliminate hazard concerns. In my early chemical years, clear SOPs—glove boxes, eye shields, and clean labeling—kept accidents nonexistent and helped coworkers work with confidence and security, knowing the limitations and safe limits for use.
Raw manganese comes from ore mining—most notably in African, Australian, and Chinese reserves. Citric acid arrives from fermentation, often sourced from sugar factories. This cross-border supply chain brings both environmental and economic concerns, especially as demand rises. I’ve talked to procurement teams facing volatility in manganese ore prices, leading to cost spikes in the finished product. Developing clear, validated supply routes for both manganese and citric acid provides stability and product purity, crucial for end buyers in healthcare or agriculture. It’s worth mentioning that fluctuations in the global supply market affect not only pricing but also the downstream industries relying on consistent quality. Each player along the chain, from miners to lab technicians, faces the challenge of stricter environmental rules and consumer scrutiny, particularly around safety and purity specifications.
Manganese Citrate, whether in powder, flake, or liquid form, stays shelf-stable under cool, dry, and airtight conditions. Strong humidity control matters; citrates attract water, causing clumping, decreased solubility, or unintended reactions—something I’ve seen affect dosing accuracy in automated nutrient systems. Handling should stick to sealed systems where possible, with regular checks for leaks or spills. Fast response to any accidental release limits environmental and health hazards. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) suggest keeping the chemical away from strong acids and oxidizers. Storage vessels vary: high-density polyethylene buckets, fiber drums with plastic linings, or glass bottles (for lab-scale work). Segregation from foods or other ingestibles matters, especially in shared storage locations or community labs, and scheduling regular audits keeps inventories fresh and contamination-free.
People in the chemical sector ask for higher assay grades, better bulk packaging, and clearer hazard communication. Lack of transparency in raw material sourcing or insufficient traceability raises concerns, especially after recent industry recalls linked to batch contamination. Expanding supplier audits, setting up third-party testing, and revising documentation standards help minimize quality gaps that cost time and money. Digital inventory systems, routine safety training, and batch-level traceability cut both risk and waste. I’ve watched labs move from manual logs to cloud-based tracking, turning weeks of work into a one-day job and making end-user recalls a rare event. These steps build trust among buyers and regulators and help push the chemical sector to meet modern safety and sustainability demands without lowering performance or delivery standards.
Chemical Name: Manganese Citrate
Molecular Formula: C12H10Mn3O14
Molecular Weight: 535.96 g/mol
Physical Forms: Powder, flakes, pearls, solution, crystal, solid
Density: 1.7–2.1 g/cm³ (varies by form)
Solubility in Water: >80 g/L at 25°C
HS Code: 28332990
Appearance: Light violet to pale gray, odorless
Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation/ingestion, use PPE, ventilated storage
Raw Materials: High-purity manganese salt, food-grade citric acid
Hazards: Eye/skin irritation, mild ingestion toxicity, dust control
Manganese Citrate stands as more than a chemical name or a regulatory code; it plays a critical role across agriculture, food, and industrial supply chains. Real progress comes from transparent sourcing, ongoing safety improvements, and responsive problem-solving at every stage. In a landscape where regulatory pressure rises and customers grow more knowledgeable, success belongs to those who embrace quality, safety, and efficient delivery, pushing this chemistry from lab books to daily reality.
