Strontium citrate forms through the combination of citric acid and strontium, creating a salt that supports various industrial, chemical, and health-related applications. Each molecule of this compound holds strontium along with the citric acid anion, offering a unique profile for different needs. Its chemical formula, C6H5O7Sr, introduces a strontium ion bonded to a citrate group, shaping its physical and chemical identity. In solid form, strontium citrate can appear as a fine white or off-white powder, but some production methods yield it as crystalline flakes or small pearls, depending on the level of refinement or hydration process. A density close to 2.75 g/cm3 means it remains considerably dense for a compound sometimes used as a dietary supplement. Solubility in water stands as limited when compared to some other strontium salts, making it suitable for uses where slow release or stability matter more than rapid dissolution.
You can expect this material to show up as either a powder, flake, or crystalline bead, based upon the demands of the application or decisions made during its preparation. Each crystal, pearl, or bulk powder batch holds a clear, uniform appearance, without the visible granularity of some coarser salts. Its structure follows the patterns seen in citrate ions bonded with divalent metals, but the presence of strontium means it differs from similarly structured calcium or magnesium citrates. Each gram delivers a solid concentration of elemental strontium, making it relevant in cases requiring significant strontium input with less excess citric acid. Melting points and solubility vary by purity and processing, but high-quality lots rarely show contamination or off-colors.
Inspection of its molecular arrangement reveals a tightly bound citric acid backbone attached to a single strontium atom. The full formula, C6H5O7Sr, creates a neutral compound at standard pH in water. Its HS Code, 29181500, aligns strontium citrate with similar chemical groupings in customs and trade databases. Typical specifications require purity levels above 98%, with moisture content below 1.5%, and careful control of heavy metal impurities. Manufacturers will provide certificates of analysis confirming these points, since oversight bodies and strict regulations in pharmaceuticals or supplements demand complete transparency about raw material sourcing and processing steps. Common lot sizes range from kilograms for industrial consumers to grams for laboratory uses.
Commercial supplies of strontium citrate commonly come as tightly sealed bags or bottles of powder, but certain suppliers load it into bulk vats when serving heavy industry clients. The flake, crystal, and pelletized versions see interest from process engineers or researchers who need a more controlled or less airborne format. Each presents some difference in flow and dispersal behavior. Liquids or solutions of strontium citrate usually result from dissolving the salt into deionized water or alcohols, often aided by mild heating. Such solutions rarely travel far, as their shelf lives and stability don't always compare with the solid forms. In cases where handling and dosing precision matter, many choose the dense powder or pearl instead of the lighter, more airborne variety.
Concerns about safety play a role with most industrial chemicals, and strontium citrate deserves attention for its risk profile. It does not carry the high toxicity or flammability of alkali or heavy metal salts, but inhaling large quantities of the dust or mishandling dry powders may cause irritation to the respiratory tract or eyes. Users who routinely handle the material wear protective masks, gloves, and safety glasses to avoid accidental exposure. Environmental agencies demand careful tracking of strontium compounds, since excessive dumping or runoff causes long-term bioaccumulation or local ecological effects. Waste disposal often takes place through licensed chemical processes, never by landfill or open-air techniques. Regulations in the European Union, United States, and China classify strontium citrate as a low- to moderate-risk compound, provided handlers respect proper storage and disposal standards.
Manufacturers draw on strontium citrate for its value as a feedstock in chemical synthesis, especially for products requiring strontium ions. In pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements, it's favored over other strontium salts thanks to lower solubility, meaning a slower release profile and fewer concerns over rapid breakdown. Some dental materials and bone-health formulations include it because the strontium ion shows an affinity for deposition in bone. In ceramics, glass, and specialty coatings, this compound can serve as a subtle color modifier, changing the optical or mechanical properties of the final product. Researchers experiment with it in crystallization studies and as a buffer in organic or inorganic reactions where strict control of citrate is necessary. When used as a laboratory reagent, users vet each batch for contamination and consistency, since unexpected impurities alter reaction yields or safety outcomes. Each field that calls on this raw material does so with some level of background knowledge about its safe handling and reliable supply chain.
Grasping strontium citrate’s full landscape, through its physical properties, chemical makeup, approved specifications, and practical applications, demands experience and careful reference to scientific literature. Each user approaches it with an eye on safety, precise measurement, and regulatory compliance. As new industrial, pharmaceutical, and material science needs emerge, this compound remains a trusted part of the toolkit when managed by informed hands and applied with full knowledge of its characteristics and potential.
