Monosodium Citrate
General information
Monosodium citrate is a monobasic salt of citric acid. It is produced by partial neutralisation of citric acid with a high purity sodium source and subsequent crystallization or spray drying. Monosodium citrate is supplied as anhydrous material.
The properties of this partial neutralised salt are based on its intermediate position between citric acid and the neutral or weakly alkaline trisodium citrate. Therefore monosodium citrate is used if a buffering effect is required or if citric acid is considered to be too aggressive for the formulation. Monosodium citrate is also less hygroscopic than citric acid, thus less prone to caking and preferred in critical formulations such as dry blends, instant preparations or tablets.
Monosodium citrate is a white, odourless, fine or crystalline granular powder with slightly acidic taste. It is easily soluble in water and practically insoluble in ethanol.
It is used whenever a buffering effect compared to the pure acid is required (e.g. acid sensitive ingredients are present).
For preparations which are sensitive to water (e.g. sodium bicarbonate in effervescent tablets) the anhydrous monosodium citrate can replace water containing ingredients. Due to its high decomposition temperature (>200°C) and low water content (<0.4%), it is also the preferred acid source in baking powder or blowing agents in order to prevent premature reaction between acid and alkaline source.
When used as endothermic blowing agent in the plastics industry, it is the preferred food grade, non-toxic alternative to exothermic blowing agents such as azo compounds (e.g. azodicarbonamide), hydrazine derivatives or semicarbazides. Monosodium citrate D is specifically used in this application due to its approx. 10°C lower decomposition temperature compared to monosodium citrate F3500 and is also recommended for other applications where a quicker dissociation is required. Furthermore monosodium citrate D can be used to reduce the acrylamide content in heat treated, starch containing food products by up to 80%.
By using monosodium citrate the safety and quality of snacks, cereals, bakery products and potato products such as French Fries can be optimised without influencing the production process.
Specification
The following granulation types are available:
- Fine Granular
- Powder
Monosodium citrate fine granular is supplied in accordance with the requirements of the German Pharmaceuticals Codex (DAC) and the Commission Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012, always in their latest versions.
Monosodium citrate powder is supplied in accordance with the requirements of the Commission Regulation (EU) No. 231/2012, always in the latest version.
Jungbunzlauer MSC is available in 20 kg and 25 kg net polyethylene lined paper bags.
Properties
- White granular powder
- Odourless
- Pleasant, slightly acidic taste profile
- Partially neutralised salt
- Easily soluble in water
- Practically insoluble in ethanol
- Low hygroscopicity
- Low water content
- Good compressability
- Non-toxic
- Allergen and GMO free
Main functions
- pH-adjuster
- Mild acid carrier
- Replacement for citric acid in sensitive formulations, e.g. in effervescent systems
- Buffering agent
- Used in water-sensitive formulations due to its low water content
- Endothermic blowing agent
Applications
Pharma
- Acidifying agent
- Buffering agent
- Tablet disintegrant
- Fire protection
Food
- Bakery
- Cereals, Snacks
- Confectionery
- Dairy Alternatives
- Desserts, Ice Cream
- Flavours
- Fruit Preparations, Sweet Spreads
- Meat Alternatives
- Meat, Seafood
- Plant-based Products
- Ready Meals, Instant Food
- Sauces, Dressings, Seasonings
- Table Top Products
- Fire protection
Beverages
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Instant Drinks, Syrups
- Plant-based
- Sports and Energy Drinks
- Fire protection
Personal Care
- Colour Cosmetics
- Hair Care
- Oral Care
- Skin Care
- Soap and Bath Products
- Fire protection
Industrial Applications
- Inks, Paints, Coatings
- Plastics, Polymers
- Fire protection
Healthcare
- OTC, Food Supplements
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Fire protection
Legal aspects
In Europe, monosodium citrate is listed as a generally permitted food additive (E331) and may be added to all foodstuffs, following the "quantum satis" principle as regulated in EU Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 (Annex 2), as long as no special regulation restricts the use.
In the USA, monosodium citrate is generally recognised as safe (self-affirmed GRAS) within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and may be used in food and beverages in full compliance with the applicable Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.