General Description
Synonyms: Citrate of potash; citric acid potassium salt; E332; kalii citras; tripotassium citrate.
Description: Transparent prismatic crystals or a white, granular powder. Potassium citrate is hygroscopic and odorless, and has a cooling, saline taste.
Chemical Name: 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid tripotassium salt monohydrate
Functions
Alkalizing agent; buffering agent; sequestering agent.
Uses
Potassium citrate is used in beverages, foods, and oral pharmaceutical formulations as a buffering and alkalizing agent.
It is also used as a sequestering agent and as a therapeutic agent to alkalinize the urine and to relieve the painful irritation caused by cystitis.
Incompatibilities
Aqueous potassium citrate solutions are slightly alkaline and will react with acidic substances. Potassium citrate may also precipitate alkaloidal salts from their aqueous or alcoholic solutions. Calcium and strontium salts will cause precipitation of the corresponding citrates. Potassium citrate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Safety
Potassium citrate is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material by this route of administration.
Handling Precautions
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Potassium citrate may be irritant to the skin and eyes and should be handled in a well-ventilated environment. Eye protection and gloves are recommended. When heated to decomposition, potassium citrate emits toxic fumes of potassium oxide