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Introduction
Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate F-6000 is a specific product grade of the common food additive E331 (trisodium citrate). Like the standard grade, it is a white, crystalline powder used as an emulsifier, sequestrant, buffering agent, and acidity regulator. The "F-6000" designation is a manufacturer-specific code, likely from JUNGBUNZLAUER, to identify a particular product with a specialized particle size or performance characteristic.
The key differentiator of the F-6000 grade is its fine particle size, which gives it distinct application benefits. It is specifically designed for use in dry blends, instant beverages, and tablet manufacturing, where rapid dissolution and uniform mixing are critical. It serves the same core functions as standard trisodium citrate but is optimized for high-speed production environments.
CAS Number
6132-04-3 (for the dihydrate form)
Synonyms
• Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate
• Sodium citrate
• Sodium citrate dihydrate
• E331
• Citric acid trisodium salt dihydrate
Topic Headings
*1. Primary Applications for the F-6000 Grade (list form)*
• Dry blends for instant beverages — Ensures rapid and complete dissolution in products like powdered sports drinks, lemonade mixes, and meal replacement shakes.
• Direct compression tablets (nutraceuticals & OTC drugs) — Acts as an effervescent agent, binder, or lubricant in tablet formulations for rapid disintegration.
• Detergents — Used in automatic dishwasher detergents as a water softener and builder; the fine mesh enhances performance and homogeneity.
• Effervescent systems — A key component in effervescent tablets and powders, reacting with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide.
• Dairy and cheese analogs — Functions as an emulsifying salt in the production of processed cheese, cheese sauces, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
2. Benefits of the Fine Particle Size (paragraph form)
The "F-6000" grade is a fine-mesh powder, meaning it has a much smaller average particle diameter compared to standard granular trisodium citrate. This increased surface area provides several advantages in manufacturing. In dry blending, it promotes a more homogeneous mix with other fine powders, preventing segregation. In instantized products, the fine particles dissolve almost instantly upon contact with water, preventing clumping. For tablet manufacturing, a consistent fine particle size ensures uniform flow into the die cavity, leading to consistent tablet weight and hardness. The specific F-6000 grade is also a highly refined form, ensuring high purity and consistent performance.
3. Physical and chemical properties (list form)
• Appearance — White, free-flowing, fine crystalline powder.
• Particle size — Characterized as "F-6000," a very fine powder.
• Molecular weight — 294.10 g/mol.
• Bulk density — Lower than coarser grades, reflecting the fine particle size.
• Solubility — Very high solubility in water; the fine particle size maximizes dissolution rate.
• pH (5% solution) — Between 7.5 and 9.0.
• Purity — Typically meets or exceeds the specifications for Food Chemical Codex (FCC) or United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards.
• Packaging — Often supplied in multi-layer paper bags with an inner liner to protect against moisture.
4. Safety and Regulatory Status (paragraph form)
The F-6000 grade of trisodium citrate dihydrate has the same safety and regulatory status as all other food-grade sodium citrates. As the sodium salt of citric acid, it is a normal metabolite in the body and is considered safe for human consumption. The FDA lists sodium citrate as a GRAS substance (21 CFR 184.1751). It is permitted in food applications in the EU, UK, US, and most other countries without a specific numerical ADI because its use is considered safe at any level required to achieve its technological effect.
