Overview
Triammonium citrate (CAS 3458-72-8 ), also known by its food additive designation E380 , is the fully neutralized ammonium salt of citric acid used across food, personal care, and industrial water treatment applications.
It functions primarily as a pH buffer, chelating agent, and stabilizer, controlling acidity and sequestering metal ions in formulated products. In food and beverage manufacturing, it acts as an acidity regulator and sequestrant.
This prevents metal-catalyzed oxidation that degrades flavor and color in processed products. Personal care formulators incorporate it into creams, lotions, and hair care products to buffer pH and stabilize active ingredients.
In water treatment, it chelates calcium, magnesium, and heavy metal ions to prevent scale formation and protect process equipment. It also functions as a preservative-supporting agent in formulations where metal ion control is critical.
Triammonium citrate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granule. Food-grade material is available to FCC specification, supporting use in regulated food and beverage applications.
Technical-grade product is also offered for industrial water treatment and non-food formulation use. This versatile chemical ensures stability and performance across a wide range of demanding industrial and consumer sectors.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 150 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 100 °C (lit.) |
| Density | 1.09 g/cm³ @ Temp: 26 °C |
| Appearance | Ammonium citrate (various forms) is a white powdery material with a slight ammonia-like odor. |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Form | Crystals |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water. Slightly soluble in alcohol. |
| Vapor Pressure | 0Pa at 25℃ |
| pH | pH(40g/l, 25℃) : 6.0～7.7 |
| Log P | -1.43 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29181500 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 3458-72-8
- EC Number
- 222-394-5
- Mol. Weight
- 243.22
- HS Code
- 29181500
- Category
- Chelating Agents