Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate stands out as a chemical compound used widely in various industries. With the molecular formula NaH2C6H5O7 and a molecular weight of about 214.1 g/mol, it is a sodium salt derived from citric acid. This solid appears as a crystalline powder, though flakes, pearls, and granules are equally common in the market. The compound presents itself in a colorless or white state, and often I get my hands on it in the form of fine powder or coarse crystalline solids, depending on supplier and intended use.
Delving into its physical characteristics, Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate offers a density close to 1.77 g/cm3. Water solubility is high, and it dissolves rapidly, giving a clear, acidic solution. Unlike some chemicals that release pungent fumes, this compound comes with negligible odor, which helps in handling and storage. In terms of structure, it falls under the class of organic sodium salts, made by partial neutralization of citric acid with sodium hydroxide or carbonate. It contains three carboxylic acid groups, with two still protonated and one replaced by sodium, delivering acidic properties (pH typically around 3.5-4.0 in aqueous solution).
The market offers Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate in several forms: solid crystals, coarse granules, fine powders, and at times, as a clear liquid in precisely measured laboratory solutions. Purity levels usually hit 98% or higher. As a raw material, it arrives in 25 kg polyethylene bags or drums, comfortably fitting either large-scale chemical needs or smaller medical and food applications. Each batch carries a batch number, date of manufacture, and sometimes even full spectroscopic analysis. Flakes and pearls can clump under humid conditions, so I store them in sealed containers to maintain free flow and prevent moisture absorption.
International trade uses the HS Code 29181500 to categorize Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate, falling under salts and esters of citric acid. Customs authorities, shipping agents, and international buyers handle it under this code to assess duties and manage documentation. Knowing the proper HS Code streamlines procurement and helps avoid regulatory holdups, something that people in import-export often overlook until faced with paperwork glitches.
As a raw material, Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate finds roles in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and laboratory research. In medicine, it adjusts urine pH, tackles metabolic acidosis, and helps manage kidney stones by making urine less acidic. In the food industry, it's used as an acidity regulator or flavor enhancer, especially where citric acid alone would create too sharp a sourness. Water treatment plants deploy it in boiler cleaning, thanks to its chelating properties, particularly when reacting with mineral deposits and hard water ions. Its buffering ability matters to me most; few chemicals give such a controlled pH adjustment while remaining safe to handle.
Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate enjoys a reputation as a low-hazard chemical, yet no chemical deserves complacency. Inhalation of dust can irritate the respiratory tract, and direct eye contact produces discomfort, so goggles and gloves remain essential kit during handling. Accidental ingestion in large amounts may lead to electrolyte imbalances, though normal use in medical and food settings falls well below risky levels. Safety sheets recommend storage at room temperature, away from moisture and incompatible substances like strong acids or bases. While not classified as a hazardous material for ground or air transport, I treat it with respect to prevent contamination and costly mistakes. Chronic exposure issues have not surfaced in research, but I never gamble with chemical dust; local exhaust ventilation and proper labeling keep risks in check.
Keeping Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate in a cool, dry environment stops caking and degradation. Polyethylene-lining in containers prevents corrosion and preserves product integrity. During transfer or solution preparation, using scoops and clean beakers ensures batch consistency and avoids batch contamination—a lesson learned when a careless scoop led to off-spec powder and wasted hours in rework. Disposal matches standard protocols for mild organic chemicals; in dilute form, it enters wastewater after neutralization. Solid waste heads to standard landfill, provided local regulations confirm it as non-hazardous. Routine audits and logbooks, though tedious, give accountability for each gram, which matters in regulated labs or food production runs.
My hands-on experience with Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate highlighted its ease of handling as both a raw material and a finished product. Unlike volatile acids or hygroscopic salts, this material sits well on the shelf, maintains its properties over several months, and dissolves without fuss. In processes needing exact pH, it offers predictability and gentle moderation, helping me avoid sudden swings that derail sensitive recipes or experiments. Its role in dissolving mineral scale saved downtime in an old boiler system, illustrating that practical chemistry sometimes beats high-tech alternatives. The compound’s broad acceptance in pharmaceuticals and food doesn’t come by accident; every regulation, purity certificate, and safety protocol comes backed by decades of experience and data. With such reliability, Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate remains a favored solution in both my lab and on the warehouse shelf.
