Zinc Citrate Anhydrous stands out as a white or slightly off-white chemical compound showing up as a crystalline powder, often sold in dense flakes or granules. People know this material for its role as a source of zinc, connecting zinc ions to citrate. Its official formula, C12H10O14Zn3, captures a zinc content usually above 31%. Compared to many chemical additives, this product remains free-flowing and non-hygroscopic. With no water of hydration bound in its structure, manufacturers get a product with reliable stability and predictable reactivity. The HS Code commonly assigned runs as 29181500, which places it in a group of organic salts primarily used in food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing.
Zinc Citrate Anhydrous does not dissolve easily in cold water or alcohol. Its density ranges from 2.2 to 2.5 g/cm3, making it fairly heavy for what feels like a soft powder to the touch. It may appear either as powder, solid pearls, or granular flakes, but these physical forms come from the same core molecule. The taste, while not intended for direct consumption outside controlled settings, can taste slightly tart due to the citric acid backbone. Material specialists who run X-ray diffraction or infrared spectra notice the regular, repeating arrangement of zinc ions chelated by citrate molecules, resulting in good chemical consistency for large-scale formulations. During melting, the compound breaks down rather than forming a true liquid, so the structure must be preserved below that breakdown temperature.
In technical language, the compound centers around three zinc atoms joined by two citrate ligands. This chelating arrangement gives the product stability under storage and usage. Since it lacks water molecules trapped between the crystal layers—unlike hydrated versions—the anhydrous version stays stable even in environments with shifts in humidity. Each kilo contains a significant zinc load, which makes it valuable as a dietary source or as a raw material entering toothpaste and supplement production lines. No volatile organic compounds come off under normal storage, and it shows no tendency toward caking or clumping in regular factory conditions as long as basic dryness is maintained.
Any chemical containing zinc demands attention to occupational safety. Zinc Citrate Anhydrous, while not classified as flammable or acutely toxic, produces mild dust if mishandled. Prolonged inhalation or accidental ingestion in unregulated doses can upset the stomach, cause mild respiratory symptoms, or disturb metabolic zinc levels. All packaging and storage should keep the product dry, shielded from acids or alkalies that might trigger decomposition. Proper storage avoids indirect harm—such as spills leading to slippery surfaces or minor irritation during dusty transfers. Companies moving bulk product generally require dust respirators and gloves. As with all supplement-grade substances, controlling dose and source security keeps the supply chain safe.
Looking at real-world use, zinc citrate anhydrous enters the market both as a raw ingredient and as a final additive. Toothpaste makers value its ability to deliver zinc ions for fighting bad breath and reinforcing oral hygiene, without shifting viscosity or compromising safety for everyday brushing. Supplement firms rely on its stable zinc content and bland taste that does not mask flavors or colors. Food technologists sometimes employ it for fortification, counting on the precise composition spelled out in the specifications. Because it's shelf-stable, does not degrade during regular storage, and blends well with other nutrients, it makes supply chains more predictable. In chemical plants, its stability allows careful blending with acids, buffering agents, or binders to match formulation needs without causing unwanted side reactions.
Available as powder, flakes, or even larger pearls, zinc citrate anhydrous answers to different process demands. The dense crystalline powder carries a bulk density sufficient to enable both manual and automated dosing straight from bags or hoppers. Particle sizing affects dissolving and handling, but most buyers see trade-offs between flow and surface area. Chemists running quality checks look for consistent assay, low chloride, sulfate, and heavy metal content, and absence of color or odor. Storage does best in airtight drums or bags, away from moisture and incompatible chemicals. Few things frustrate a plant engineer more than a hygroscopic powder clumping on a humid day; the anhydrous form's resistance to this common headache adds reliability and reduces downtime.
Zinc deficiency crops up in populations with poor dietary variety or underlying health conditions. Delivering the right form of zinc becomes essential in food supplements and oral care. The choice of the anhydrous form sidesteps issues of variability, unexpected moisture uptake, and shelf instability. Relying on a proven molecular structure linked by citrate, rather than hastily assembled zinc compounds, gives consistent results ranging from toothpaste to pharmaceuticals. In practice, this reduces the risk of batch rejection, rework, and consumer complaints about product quality. As supply chains grow more complex, downstream users rely on suppliers who document material traceability, chemical purity, and shipping conditions matching the strictest standards. By following clear technical guidelines and prioritizing user safety, zinc citrate anhydrous earns its spot as a trusted raw material while meeting real-world needs from plant floors to pharmacy shelves.
