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E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Na3C6H5O7.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is sometimes referred to simply as "sodium citrate", though sodium citrate can refer to any of the three sodium salts of citric acid.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate possesses a saline, mildly tart taste, and is a mild base.
CAS Number: 6132-04-3
Molecular Formula: C6H9Na3O9
Molecular Weight: 294.1
EINECS Number: 612-118-5
Synonyms:Sodium citrate, Sodium citrate anhydrous, sodium citrate, anhydrous, anhydrous sodium citrate, CCRIS 3293, Sodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7), Sodium citrate,anhydrous, HSDB 5201, UNII-RS7A450LGA, EINECS 200-675-3, Bicitra, Pneucid, Trisodium 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate, trisodium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, CHEBI:53258, EC 200-675-3, EINECS 213-618-2, E 331, Sodium 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate, UNII-68538UP9SE, EINECS 242-734-6, EC 242-734-6, Oracit, Albright's Solution, Modified Shohl's Solution, Anticoagulant Sodium Citrate, 1Q73Q2JULR, SODIUM CITRATE (II), SODIUM CITRATE (USP-RS), SODIUM CITRATE, UNSPECIFIED, SODIUM CITRATE (USP IMPURITY), SODIUM CITRATE, UNSPECIFIED FORM, 68-04-2, TRISODIUM CITRATE, Citrosodine, Natrocitral, Citric acid, trisodium salt, Trisodium citrate, anhydrous, Citric acid trisodium salt, 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, trisodium salt, Trisodium citrate anhydrous, FEMA No. 3026, trisodium-citrate, Anhydrous trisodium citrate, tri-sodium citrate, 994-36-5, trisodium;2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, RS7A450LGA, INS NO.331(III), INS-331(III), E-331(III), MFCD00012462, FEMA NO. 3026, ANHYDROUS-, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM SALT, Citrosodina, Citnatin, Citreme, Citrosodna, Sodium citrate hydrous, Sodium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate, 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium salt, C6H5Na3O7, Natrii citras, sodium citrate salt, 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, sodium salt (1:3), sodium (iii) citrate, Sodium citrate (USP), CHEMBL1355, SODIUM CITRATE [MI], Citrate Concentrated Solution, DTXSID2026363, SODIUM CITRATE [WHO-IP], 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, trisodium salt, Citric acid sodium salt anhydrous, Citric acid trisodium salt, 99%, NATRII CITRAS [WHO-IP LATIN], AKOS015915009, DB09154, FT01206, SODIUM CITRATE ANHYDROUS [HSDB], ANHYDROUS TRISODIUM CITRATE [II], SODIUM CITRATE,ANHYDROUS [VANDF], 8055-55-8, AC-15008, E331, Sodium citrate dihydrate USP Fine Granular, SODIUM CITRATE, ANHYDROUS [WHO-IP], NS00077225, EN300-74572, D05855, D77308, ANHYDROUS TRISODIUM CITRATE [USP MONOGRAPH], Q409728, Citric acid trisodium salt, anhydrous, >=98% (GC), Citric acid trisodium salt, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%, ANTI-BABOON IGM, BIOTIN;BETA-HYDROXY-TRICARBOXYLIC ACID MONOHYDRATE;HYDROXYTRICARBALLYLIC ACID MONOHYDRATE;CITRIC ACID NA3-SALT 2H2O;CITRIC ACID H2O;CITRIC ACID TRISODIUM SALT DIHYDRATE;CITRIC ACID, 3NA, DIHYDRATE;CITRIC ACID-1-HYDRATE.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has molecular weight of 294.1, is a colorless crystal or white crystalline powder product; it is odorless, salty taste, and cool.
It will lose its crystal water at 150 °C and will be decomposed at even higher temperature.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also has slight deliquescence in wet air and has weathering property upon hot air.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is soluble in water and glycerol, but insoluble in alcohol and some other organic solvents.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has no toxic effect, and has pH adjusting capability as well as having a good stability, and therefore can be used in the food industry.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has the greatest demand when being used as a food additive; As food additives, it is mainly used as flavoring agents, buffers, emulsifiers, bulking agents, stabilizers and preservatives; in addition, combination between sodium citrate and citric acid can be used in a variety of jams, jelly, juice, drinks, cold drinks, dairy products and pastries gelling agents, flavoring agents and nutritional supplements.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid and is widely used as a food additive, buffering agent, emulsifier, and preservative in a variety of industrial, culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is commonly referred to as trisodium citrate, sodium citrate, or citric acid trisodium salt, and appears as a white, crystalline powder that is odorless and highly soluble in water.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is derived either by neutralizing citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, resulting in a compound that is less acidic and more alkaline in nature.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a triprotic acid salt, meaning all three acidic hydrogen ions of citric acid are replaced with sodium ions (Na⁺).
This gives it a mild alkaline pH, typically around 7.5 to 9, depending on concentration, which makes it extremely useful in pH regulation and buffering systems.
As a conjugate base of a weak acid, citrate can perform as a buffering agent or acidity regulator, resisting changes in pH.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used to control acidity in some substances, such as gelatin desserts.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate can be found in the milk minicontainers used with coffee machines.
The compound is the product of antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, when they are dissolved in water.
The pH range of a solution of 5 g/100 ml water at 25 °C is 7.5 to 9.0.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is added to many commercially packaged dairy products to control the pH impact of the gastrointestinal system of humans, mainly in processed products such as cheese and yogurt, although it also has beneficial effects on the physical gel microstructure.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate, the sodium salts of citric acid with the European food additive number E331.
This ingredient is usually added together with citric acid to enhance flavor or reduce the PH level in food and drinks, also it can act as an emulsifier in cheese making.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate commonly refers to trisodium citrate (E331iii) when we talk about sodium citrate.
As there are three carboxyl groups in the molecule of citric acid, so there can be three types of sodium citrates (mono, di and trisodium citrate) based on the partial or total neutralization of citric acid.
Among them, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is the most used one in food, while disodium citrate is seldom to see in food.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used as an anticoagulant, phlegm dispersant and diuretic in the pharmaceutical industry; In detergent industry, sodium tripolyphosphate can be substituted as non-toxic detergent additive.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also used in brewing, injection, photographic medicine and electroplating.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in similar applications to citric acid.
These uses include as an acidity regulator in food and drink, as a sequestering agent to prevent limescale inference with soaps and detergents and as an emulsifying agent to aid chemical mixing processes where two separate elements are incapable of mixing (for example oil and water) and helps to keep these mixtures stable once formulated.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in a variety of processed food and drink primarily as a avour enhancer and a preservative.
As an emulsifying agent, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also used in cheesemaking to allow cheese to melt without the separation of oils and fats.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate in food buers pH levels to help regulate acidity in a variety of foods to balance taste and is also able to impart a tart / sour avour in a wide variety of drink products.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is produced by complete neutralisation of citric acid with high purity sodium hydroxide or carbonate and subsequent crystallisation and dehydration.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is widely used in foods, beverages and various technical applications mainly as buering, sequestering or emulsifying agent.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate occurs as white, granular crystals or as white, crystalline powder.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is freely soluble in water and practically insoluble in ethanol (96 %).
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a non-toxic, neutral salt with low reactivity.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is chemically stable if stored at ambient temperatures.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is fully biodegradable and can be disposed of with regular waste or sewage.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also known as Sodium Citrate which is a sodium salt from citric acid.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in food products as a preservative as well as to add a tart avor prole.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is commonly used as a avoring agent in drinks as well as processed cheese, ice cream, yogurt and jams
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a component in Benedict's qualitative solution, often used in organic analysis to detect the presence of reducing sugars such as glucose.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is found in high concentration in sour fruits, kiwi, strawberries and many other fruits.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is prepared commercially by the fermentation of molasses.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has a role as an anticoagulant.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate contains a sodium citrate.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is easily soluble in water, glycerol, alcohol and other organic solvents.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is decomposed by overheating, slightly deliviate in humid environment and slightly weathering in hot air.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is an organic compound that has white to colorless crystals.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used as acidity regulator, avor agent and stabilizer in food and beverage industry.
In the food industry, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is primarily used as an acidity regulator and emulsifying agent, especially in products such as processed cheeses, soft drinks, jams, jellies, ice cream, and dairy desserts.
In cheese production, for instance, it acts as a chelator, binding with calcium ions to help emulsify fats and create a smooth, uniform texture.
In beverages like lemonades and sodas, it adjusts acidity to maintain a stable pH, enhancing flavor and shelf life.
In 1914, the Belgian doctor Albert Hustin and the Argentine physician and researcher Luis Agote successfully used sodium citrate as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions, with Richard Lewisohn determining its correct concentration in 1915.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate continues to be used in blood-collection tubes and for the preservation of blood in blood banks.
The citrate ion chelates calcium ions in the blood by forming calcium citrate complexes, disrupting the blood clotting mechanism.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has also been used as a locking agent in vascath and haemodialysis lines instead of heparin due to its lower risk of systemic anticoagulation.
In 2003, Ööpik et al. showed the use of sodium citrate (0.5 g/kg body weight) improved running performance over 5 km by 30 seconds.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used to relieve discomfort in urinary-tract infections, such as cystitis, to reduce the acidosis seen in distal renal tubular acidosis, and can also be used as an osmotic laxative.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a major component of the WHO oral rehydration solution.
It is used as an antacid, especially prior to anaesthesia, for caesarian section procedures to reduce the risks associated with the aspiration of gastric contents.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in similar applications to citric acid.
These uses include as an acidity regulator in food and drink, as a sequestering agent to prevent limescale inference with soaps and detergents and as an emulsifying agent to aid chemical mixing processes where two separate elements are incapable of mixing (for example oil and water) and helps to keep these mixtures stable once formulated.
The two terms anhydrous and dihydrate are used to describe either the presence or the absence of water molecules in a chemical compound.
Anhydrous means a compound with no water molecules and dihydrate means a chemical compound with water – more precisely – two water molecules per formula unit of the compound.
In practical terms this means dihydrate compounds do not absorb water very well whereas anhydrous compounds will.
In terms of the product there is not really a difference between the two, rather just how it is referred to.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is often simply called sodium citrate as sodium citrate is indeed the trisodium salt of citric acid.
However, somewhat confusingly, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate could potentially refer to any of the three sodium salts of citric acid – Monosodium Citrate, Disodium Citrate and Trisodium Citrate.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate, a compound found in every living organism, as it is part of the key metabolic pathways in all body cells.
Large concentrations are found in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries and many other fruits.
Commercially prepared by fermentation of molasses with the mould Aspergillus niger .
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate and citrates have many functions – they increase the activity of many antioxidants, and exhibit some antioxidant activity.
They are mainly used as acidity regulators as well as aroma compounds.
They increase gel strength in marmalades and decrease enzymatic browning in fruits and fruit products.
Food additive in the category of antioxidants, also having acidity regulation, preservative, flavoring and sequestrant functions.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate comes in the form of E 331(i) – monosodium citrate, E 331(ii) – disodium citrate or E 331(iii) – trisodium citrate, all of these being sodium salts of citric acid.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in the quantities on the recipes in products based on milk, vegetables, fruits, emulsified or non-emulsified animal or plant oils and fats, partially or fully dehydrated milk, in fresh minced meat dishes.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is an excellent buffering agent, which means it helps maintain a stable pH in food products, pharmaceuticals, and biological systems, resisting changes when acids or bases are introduced.
This stability is important not only for taste and safety but also for the preservation of color, texture, and nutritional value.
By stabilizing acidity, E 331 helps inhibit microbial growth, thus acting as a mild preservative.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA, EFSA, and WHO when used in appropriate concentrations.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable.
In normal food-level quantities, it is not considered harmful to human health.
However, excessive consumption or exposure in high concentrations may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort or electrolyte imbalances, especially in individuals with kidney issues or sodium-restricted diets.
Melting point: >300 °C (lit.)
Density: 1.76
Bulk density: 600 kg/m³
FEMA: 3026 | SODIUM CITRATE
Flash point: 173.9 °C
Storage temp.: Store at +5 °C to +30 °C
Solubility: H₂O: 100 mg/mL
Form: powder
pKa: 6.40
Color: white
Odor: Odorless
pH Range: 7.5 – 9 at 29.4 g/L at 25 °C
pH: 7.0 – 9.0 (25 °C, 50 mg/mL in H₂O)
Biological source: synthetic
Water solubility: 720 g/L (25 °C)
λmax: λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.01; λ: 280 nm Amax: 0.01
Merck: 14,8602
BRN: 6104939
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with bases, reducing agents, oxidizing agents.
InChIKey: NLJMYIDDQXHKNR-UHFFFAOYSA-K
LogP: -1.72
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a substance that dissolves spontaneously in humid air, freely soluble in water and insoluble in ethanol.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a non-toxic and low reactivity neutral salt.
Chemically stable when stored normally at ambient conditions.
Completely biodegradable, may be disposed of with regular waste and sewage according to local laws.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has the best properties in terms of emulsifying salt.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is slightly alkaline and has buering, complexing and protein dissolving properties.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also gives a characteristic avor to the melted cheese.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is very easily soluble in water and have very good protein solubility.
In the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, trisodium citrate is used in oral rehydration salts, anticoagulant solutions, and urinary alkalinization therapies.
For example, in blood collection and storage, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate acts as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions, which are essential for blood clotting.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also used in renal and metabolic therapies to help prevent the formation of kidney stones and to alkalize urine, making it useful in treating mild urinary tract infections or acidosis.
In cosmetics, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used to stabilize the pH of creams, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products.
By balancing pH, it ensures that formulations remain effective and non-irritating to the skin or eyes.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also contributes to the product’s preservative system, enhancing the effectiveness of other antimicrobial ingredients.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has similar applications as Citric Acid, so it is usually used as a avor enhancer, to acidify foods or beverages, or as a preservative.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also commonly used in medicine as a drug ingredient, usually for people with urinary tract infections.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also plays a role as an anticoagulant, which means it inhibits blood clotting.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in chemistry.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a food additive that is widely used in the food industry.
It is present as a preservative with the designation E331, a sequestrant, as a flavoring additive for lemon-flavored carbonated drinks.
It is considered a harmless product in the food industry. Added to dairy products such as UHT goat milk, condensed milk, milk desserts; for confectionery, concentrates for cakes and desserts, ice cream, dessert coatings; crisps, crisps and delicatessen products, including lunch concentrates, canned vegetables and meat, spirits, soft drinks and many other everyday products.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate has a slightly alkaline pH (7.5 - 9.0 pH).
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used to prevent donated blood from clotting in storage, and can also be used as an additive for apheresis to prevent clots forming in the tubes of the machine.
By binding with calcium ions in the blood it prevents the process of coagulation.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also used as an anticoagulant for laboratory testing, in that blood samples are collected into sodium citrate-containing tubes for tests such as the PT (INR), APTT, and fibrinogen levels.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in medical contexts as an alkalinizing agent in place of sodium bicarbonate, to neutralize excess acid in the blood and urine.
In cleaning products and detergents, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is included as a water softener and chelating agent.
By binding to metal ions like calcium and magnesium, it improves the performance of soaps and detergents in hard water conditions.
It is also used in textile dyeing, photography, and electroplating processes due to its chelating and buffering properties.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate plays a crucial role in carbonated beverages, not just to balance acidity, but to enhance flavor clarity and consistency over shelf life.
Because it can regulate pH within a narrow range, it protects sensitive flavoring compounds and sweeteners—like aspartame or stevia—from breaking down due to acidic degradation.
This makes drinks more stable over time, especially under heat or light exposure.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also works as a synergist for antioxidants, helping preservatives like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) remain effective for longer periods.
This is important in fruit juices and soft drinks, where oxidative spoilage can cause color loss, off-flavors, or nutritional degradation.
In the meat industry, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used as a chelating agent that binds to metal ions, slowing down the oxidation of fats and preventing discoloration.
This helps preserve the color, flavor, and freshness of cured or packaged meats, sausages, and seafood products.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also assists in water retention, improving the juiciness and yield of processed meats without altering taste.
Pharmaceutically, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used not only in effervescent formulations (like dissolvable tablets) but also in injectable solutions, particularly in citric acid-sodium citrate buffer systems.
These are used to adjust the pH of medications for improved stability and patient compatibility.
In oral medications, especially syrups and lozenges, it helps prevent crystallization of sugar and contributes to a smooth texture.
In pediatric formulations, trisodium citrate is favored because of its low toxicity and mild taste compared to stronger buffering agents.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a preferred anticoagulant in certain medical procedures, such as hemodialysis and apheresis (blood separation treatments), where it chelates calcium to prevent blood clotting in extracorporeal circuits.
Unlike traditional anticoagulants like heparin, citrate-based anticoagulation has reversible effects and a lower risk of bleeding complications, making it safer for patients with bleeding disorders or during surgeries.
In laboratory settings, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used to precipitate nanoparticles, especially gold or silver nanoparticles, during synthesis in colloid chemistry.
It acts both as a reducing agent and stabilizer, helping control the size and uniformity of the particles.
In analytical chemistry, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate's used in buffer solutions for electrophoresis or chromatography to maintain ionic strength and pH balance.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic complexing agents like EDTA in industrial water treatment, detergents, and boiler cleaning systems.
It prevents scale formation and corrosion without harming aquatic life, making it suitable for green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also used in cement retarders and construction materials, where it slows down setting time, allowing for better control and curing in warm climates or during long-distance transport of concrete.
Beyond pH control, trisodium citrate can enhance the effectiveness of preservatives in skin care and hair care products by stabilizing their active ingredients.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is frequently found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, cleansers, and anti-aging creams, helping balance skin-friendly acidity while improving product shelf life and comfort.
In veterinary medicine, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is sometimes added to oral or injectable preparations for animals to help manage metabolic acidosis, support hydration, or prevent blood clotting during medical procedures.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also incorporated into livestock feed to enhance mineral absorption and improve gut health by maintaining optimal intestinal pH.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a popular ingredient in sports drinks and electrolyte replacement products because it helps restore sodium and buffer lactic acid in athletes, reducing muscle fatigue and delaying the onset of acidosis during intense physical activity.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is also used in bodybuilding supplements and energy gels for improved performance and recovery.
In home cleaning products, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is often found in dishwashing tablets, laundry detergents, and surface cleaners.
It acts as a builder, improving cleaning efficacy by softening water, preventing soap scum, and boosting the action of surfactants.
Uses Of E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate:
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate can be used as Ph adjusting agents and emulsifying enhancers applied to jam, candy, jelly and ice cream; its combination with citric acid has an effect of alleviating tour; it also has effects on forming complex with metal ions.
China rules that it can be applied to various types of food with appropriate usage according to the absolute necessity.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate can be used as a food additive, as complex agent and buffering agent in electroplating industry; at the field of pharmaceutical industry, it is used for the manufacturing of anti-clotting drugs; and used as the detergent additives in light industry.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used as the analysis agents used for chromatography analysis and can also used for preparing bacterial culture medium; moreover, it can also be applied into pharmaceutical industry.
The product can be used for the flavoring processing of food, as stabilizers, buffers and deputy complex-forming agents in non-toxic electroplating industry; at pharmaceutical industry, it is used as anti-clotting agent, phlegm drugs and diuretics drugs. It can also be used in brewing, injection, newspaper and movies medicines.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is chiefly used as a food additive, usually for flavor or as a preservative.
Its E number is E331.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is employed as a flavoring agent in certain varieties of club soda.
It is common as an ingredient in bratwurst, and is also used in commercial ready-to-drink beverages and drink mixes, contributing a tart flavor.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is found in gelatin mix, ice cream, yogurt, jams, sweets, milk powder, processed cheeses, carbonated beverages, wine, and butter chicken, amongst others.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate can be used as an emulsifying stabilizer when making cheese.
It allows the cheese to melt without becoming greasy by stopping the fats from separating.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a food additive with the E number E331.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in a variety of processed food and drink primarily as a flavour enhancer and a preservative.
As an emulsifying agent it is also used in cheesemaking to allow cheese to melt without the separation of oils and fats.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate in food buffers pH levels to help regulate acidity in a variety of foods to balance taste and is also able to impart a tart / sour flavour in a wide variety of drink products.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is extensively used in the food and beverage industry as a buffering agent, acidity regulator, and emulsifier, ensuring both the stability and safety of processed products.
In soft drinks and fruit juices, for example, it helps maintain an optimal pH level, preventing spoilage while enhancing the sharpness and clarity of flavor.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also acts as a chelating agent in processed cheese, where it binds calcium and improves the uniform melting and texture of the product, preventing separation of fats and water under heat.
Its ability to regulate acidity also allows it to extend the shelf life of sauces, jellies, and dairy-based desserts, helping maintain both quality and appearance.
In the pharmaceutical industry, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is commonly used as an excipient in various drug formulations, including effervescent tablets, oral rehydration salts (ORS), and intravenous (IV) fluids, where it helps balance pH and improve the palatability of acidic medications.
Medically, it is used as a systemic alkalinizer, helping treat conditions such as metabolic acidosis and urinary tract infections by reducing acidity in the blood or urine.
In blood transfusions and dialysis treatments, it serves as an anticoagulant, effectively preventing blood clot formation by chelating calcium, which is essential for the clotting process. This use is particularly important in patients undergoing plasmapheresis or renal replacement therapy.
In cosmetics and personal care products, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is employed primarily to adjust and stabilize pH in formulations like creams, lotions, shampoos, and facial cleansers.
This pH control is critical to ensure skin compatibility, reduce irritation, and improve the effectiveness of preservatives that protect the product from microbial contamination.
By maintaining a mildly acidic or neutral pH, it contributes to the longevity and stability of the product, while also preserving the performance of active ingredients such as vitamin C or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is found in many household and industrial cleaning agents where it functions as a builder and chelating agent, meaning it softens hard water by binding with calcium and magnesium ions.
This makes surfactants in soaps and detergents more effective, improving overall cleaning power and reducing residue on surfaces.
In dishwasher tablets, laundry detergents, and surface disinfectants, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate boosts performance while being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it a safer alternative to synthetic additives like phosphates.
In industrial settings, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in electroplating, textile dyeing, and photography due to its buffering and metal-binding properties.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate helps maintain the chemical environment needed for consistent results in processes like developing photographic film or setting fabric dyes.
In laboratories, it’s frequently used to synthesize and stabilize nanoparticles—especially gold and silver—because it reduces metal ions and controls the size of the resulting particles, which is important for research in materials science, electronics, and medicine.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a component in many electrolyte replacement solutions and sports drinks, where it helps replenish sodium lost through sweat while buffering lactic acid buildup during intense physical activity.
This can reduce muscle fatigue and delay the onset of exhaustion, making it popular among athletes and those recovering from dehydration.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also supports mineral balance and fluid retention, which are critical for endurance and performance in high-heat or high-exertion environments.
In veterinary medicine, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is included in oral solutions and injectable formulations for animals to help correct acidosis, prevent blood clotting, and support hydration.
In animal feed, it may also be added to improve nutrient absorption, promote gut health, and enhance the digestibility of minerals like calcium and magnesium, particularly in poultry and dairy cattle.
In processed cheese manufacturing, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used as an emulsifying salt, which plays a critical role in converting natural cheese into a smooth, homogeneous product with a desirable melt and stretch quality.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate works by sequestering calcium ions from the casein protein structure, allowing the proteins to rebind in a controlled manner that supports even fat distribution and moisture retention.
This process gives processed cheese slices or spreads their creamy texture and resistance to oil separation, especially when melted on foods like burgers or pizzas.
Additionally, in milk-based desserts and yogurts, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate may be used to stabilize proteins and maintain consistency under heat or during pasteurization.
In combination with citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is a core ingredient in effervescent medications and dietary supplements, where it contributes to the fizzing reaction that enhances solubility and bioavailability.
In antacid products, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate helps neutralize excess stomach acid, providing rapid relief from conditions such as heartburn, gastritis, and indigestion.
Its buffering action not only soothes gastrointestinal discomfort but also allows for more gradual absorption of active ingredients, reducing the risk of side effects in sensitive patients.
In critical care and nephrology, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) protocols during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for patients with kidney failure or sepsis.
When infused into the blood circuit, citrate binds free calcium—an essential cofactor in blood clotting—thus preventing clot formation inside dialysis filters.
The anticoagulant effect is localized and temporary, and once the blood is returned to the body, calcium is reintroduced, avoiding systemic anticoagulation and reducing bleeding risks for fragile patients.
In citrus-based and clear beverages,E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used to control cloudiness and turbidity by maintaining the ionic balance and pH that keeps flavor compounds and sweeteners like sucralose or stevia in stable solution.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate prevents crystallization or separation that can occur during long-term storage or temperature fluctuation.
For beer and wine producers, it can also serve as a precipitating agent for unwanted proteins, thus enhancing the clarity and shelf life of the final product.
In emergency medicine and global health, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is included in oral rehydration salt (ORS) formulas, especially those designed to manage cholera and acute diarrhea, where the body rapidly loses fluids and electrolytes.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate replaces sodium lost through diarrhea while buffering acidosis and promoting intestinal absorption of water and glucose, which is critical in pediatric and crisis care situations.
Its inclusion in WHO-approved ORS formulations makes it a life-saving compound in developing regions with limited access to intravenous therapy.
In analytical labs, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is commonly used in buffer systems for enzyme assays, electrophoresis, and titrations, where maintaining a stable pH is essential for accurate measurements.
In biotechnology, it is used to preserve DNA samples or maintain protein stability during extraction and purification.
Its non-toxicity and buffering capability make it ideal for biological sample storage, particularly where more aggressive preservatives might degrade the sample or interfere with downstream analysis.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is added to certain cement and concrete formulations as a setting retarder, particularly useful in hot climates where rapid setting can hinder proper pouring and finishing.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate slows down the hydration reaction of cement components like tricalcium silicate, allowing longer working time and better control over consistency, finishing, and placement of the mixture.
This is especially beneficial in large infrastructure projects, such as bridges or high-rise buildings, where uniform curing is critical to long-term durability.
In traditional film photography, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used in developer solutions to control the pH and buffer the chemical environment during the development of negatives and prints.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate also serves as a fixing bath component, helping to remove unreacted silver halide crystals and stabilize the image.
Although digital photography has largely replaced this field, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate still plays a role in archival restoration and analog film processing, especially in art conservation and academic settings.
In heavy industries, such as food processing plants or pharmaceutical manufacturing, E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is part of CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, where it safely removes mineral deposits and protein residues from stainless steel equipment.
Because it is biodegradable, non-corrosive, and safe for wastewater treatment, it serves as a sustainable alternative to harsh chemicals like phosphates or strong acids, making it attractive for green chemistry initiatives.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is used as food additive, complexing agent and buffer for electroplating industry, anticoagulant in pharmaceutical industry, detergent additive in light industry, etc
Safety Profile Of E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate:
While E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is considered mild and non-irritating at low concentrations (as typically found in foods or cosmetics), exposure to concentrated powders or solutions can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate in powder form can produce fine airborne particles during handling, which, if inhaled in significant quantities, may cause respiratory tract irritation.
Symptoms of inhaling dust may include coughing, throat irritation, or a dry nose.
In industrial settings where E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate is handled in bulk, proper ventilation and dust masks are often recommended to prevent chronic exposure.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate additive, overconsumption of trisodium citrate—especially through supplements or medications—can result in gastrointestinal discomfort such as:
In some cases, especially if taken without adequate water, it may cause nausea or vomiting.
High doses of trisodium citrate used medically (e.g., to alkalinize urine or treat acidosis) must be carefully monitored, as improper use can lead to metabolic imbalances.
In clinical settings, excessive or uncontrolled intake of trisodium citrate can result in alkalosis, a condition where the blood becomes too alkaline.
This may disrupt electrolyte balance, potentially leading to muscle cramps, weakness, confusion, or cardiac arrhythmias.
Patients with kidney disease, heart failure, or on sodium-restricted diets may be particularly vulnerable to sodium overload when trisodium citrate is used therapeutically or in large volumes.
Although trisodium citrate is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly, large uncontrolled releases into water systems may temporarily affect pH levels and aquatic chemistry, especially in closed ecosystems.
E 331 Tri Sodium Citrate’s not classified as toxic to aquatic life, but spills from manufacturing or industrial use should still be managed responsibly.
