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Ammonium citrate

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Identification
Molecular formula
(NH4)3C6H5O7
CAS number
3458-72-8
IUPAC name
triammonium;citrate
State
State

At room temperature, ammonium citrate exists as a solid white crystalline powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
185.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
458.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
-1.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
-1.00
General information
Molecular weight
243.22g/mol
Molar mass
243.2180g/mol
Density
1.4800g/cm3
Appearence

Ammonium citrate appears as a white crystalline powder. It is odourless and soluble in water, giving a colorless to slightly yellow solution.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Triammonium Citrate

Triammonium citrate, with its chemical formula (NH4)3C6H5O7, is known for its relatively high solubility in water. This property is primarily attributed to its ionic nature which allows it to interact favorably with water molecules. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Triammonium citrate is highly soluble in water, making it useful in various applications, especially in pharmaceutical and food industries.
  • Ionic Interaction: The presence of ammonium ions (NH4+) enhances solubility due to the formation of hydrogen bonds with water.
  • Concentration Effects: At higher concentrations, the solubility may be influenced by competitive ions and the overall ionic strength of the solution.

In summary, the solubility of triammonium citrate is a crucial aspect that contributes to its functionality in different contexts. It is often described as "generally soluble" in water, and this characteristic enables its widespread use in both laboratory settings and industrial applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Triammonium Citrate

T iriammonium citrate is a fascinating compound that plays an important role in various scientific and industrial contexts. Here are some intriguing aspects:

  • Source of Nitrogen: As a source of nitrogen, triammonium citrate is often utilized in agriculture as a fertilizer. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth, and triammonium citrate provides it in an accessible form.
  • Buffering Agent: In biochemical applications, triammonium citrate serves as a buffering agent. It helps maintain stable pH levels, which is crucial for many enzymatic reactions and processes.
  • Medical Applications: This compound can also be found in certain medicinal formulations. It is used in some anticoagulant solutions, particularly in blood collection tubes to prevent clotting.
  • Complexation Properties: Triammonium citrate can form complexes with various metals, making it valuable in processes such as chelation therapy, where the aim is to remove toxic metals from the body.
  • Historical Significance: The use of ammonium and citrate compounds dates back to early chemical studies. Their interactions have been a topic of research for many years, leading to a better understanding of their properties and uses.

The versatility and applicability of triammonium citrate make it a compound worth studying not just in chemistry, but also in agriculture, medicine, and environmental sciences. Its multifaceted roles underscore the intricate connections between chemical compounds and their impact on daily life.

Synonyms
Triammonium citrate
3458-72-8
Ammonium citrate tribasic
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, triammonium salt
Ammonium citrate (3:1)
Citric acid triammonium salt
AMMONIUM CITRATE, TRIBASIC
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid triammonium salt
EINECS 222-394-5
J90A52459R
triammonium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
INS NO.380
CHEBI:63037
AMMONIUM CITRATE [MART.]
DTXSID10889469
INS-380
tri(azaniumyl) 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
AMMONIUM CITRATE, TRIBASIC [FCC]
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ammonium salt (1:3)
2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, ammonium salt (1:3)
E-380
tribasic ammonium citrate
AMMONIUM CITRATE (MART.)
DTXCID001028722
1,2,3Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2hydroxy, triammonium salt
Triammonium salt of 2hydroxypropan1,2,3tricarboxylic acid
1,2,3Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2hydroxy, ammonium salt (1:3)
222-394-5
tri(azaniumyl) 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate;triammonium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
Citrate (Triammonium)
triazanium;2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
UNII-J90A52459R
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylicacidtriammoniumsalt
C6H17N3O7
AKOS009158559
DB-048656
NS00083372
EN300-31444