Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate stands out as a potassium salt with a notable place in both industrial and scientific circles. This compound, created from citric acid and potassium carbonate, sports the chemical formula K3C6H5O7·H2O. That single water molecule earns the ‘monohydrate’ label, shaping everything from the chemical's texture to its purity. Its structure features three potassium ions balanced with one citrate ion, and the hydrated form means it interacts with moisture differently than its anhydrous cousin.
Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate comes in many forms. From experience in laboratory and manufacturing settings, I’ve handled everything from fine powders and pearly granules to flake-like crystals and solid blocks. Each form changes how much space this material takes up and how it blends into solutions. Powder versions flow easily for precise measurement, while flakes or crystals serve bulk applications, including those that need quick dissolution. Solutions of tripotassium citrate monohydrate—clear, colorless, and alkaline—end up in both food processing and industrial water treatment, often judged on clarity and concentration.
This compound is water-soluble, colorless, and features a slight saline taste. Density clocks in around 1.98 g/cm³. Melting begins at roughly 230°C, at which dehydration kicks in. As a solid, it feels firm and slightly gritty in most granular or crystalline forms. Each granule or flake can absorb moisture from the air, making storage airtight containers a necessity. Solutions remain stable in neutral pH, but strong acids or bases can break its structure down. From a chemical’s perspective, having three potassium ions delivers benefits for buffer capacity and potassium fortification. Its molecular weight stands at 324.41 g/mol—important for all stoichiometric calculations in batching and formulation.
Looking into the structure, this compound owes its versatility to the citrate core. Three carboxylate groups bond each potassium ion in a way that elevates solubility and boosts its buffering action. Crystalline forms carry a defined lattice, while pearls and powders focus on surface area and rapid dissolution. For food and pharmaceutical applications, specifications focus on purity—typically over 99%—and limited presence of heavy metals or other contaminants. In technical-grade cases, labs set stricter particle size and moisture limits because device or batch performance relies on predictable behavior.
Globally traded goods need classification, and Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate falls under HS Code 2918.15. This code links all potassium citrate products, shaping how customs treat shipments. Knowing the code before export or import saves time, avoids confusion, and smooths logistics for both buyers and suppliers.
Safe handling shapes every day’s work with chemicals. Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate sits in a comfortable middle ground—non-flammable, non-toxic in normal concentrations, and relatively gentle on skin. Slight alkaline nature means eye protection and gloves stay wise in every lab or batching room. Safety data sheets highlight routes of exposure: inhaling fine dust can irritate the respiratory system, while overwhelming ingestion upsets electrolyte balance. Bulk storage means checking compatibility with other chemicals—especially acids and oxidizers—plus labeling drums by content and date. Many facilities mandate spill trays, sealed bins, and detailed logs for every shipment or batch to keep mishaps at bay.
Tripotassium Citrate Monohydrate fits smoothly in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and water treatment pipelines. Thanks to a neutral taste and high solubility, beverage and dairy producers lean on this compound as a buffering agent to maintain pH. Medical clinics use it to manage kidney stone risk, since citrate binds calcium and keeps stones in check. My experience in a quality control lab backs up claims of its reliability; batches seldom fail for purity, and measurements match declared concentrations. Industrial plants reach for tripotassium citrate monohydrate to soften water, balance acidity, or help stabilize metal ions in reactors or treatment ponds. Each application branches out, but the confidence in supply comes from consistently meeting specification, knowing the safety practices, and understanding the chemistry that governs every reaction.
