Ammonium hydrogencitrate (CAS 3012-65-5)

Ammonium hydrogencitrate, with the chemical formula C6H7O7NH4, is an organic ammonium salt derived from citric acid, where one hydrogen atom is replaced by an ammonium ion. This compound is highly valued in analytical and environmental chemistry for its chelating properties, allowing it to form stable complexes with metal ions. This ability makes it crucial in water treatment processes, where it aids in the removal of metallic contaminants by binding to metal ions and preventing their precipitation. In research contexts, ammonium hydrogencitrate is extensively used to study metal ion transport and absorption due to its effective chelation, which offers a controlled environment for examining metal behavior in various systems, including biological ones. Additionally, it finds application in biochemistry as a component of buffer solutions, maintaining pH stability during enzymatic reactions and other sensitive biochemical processes. Its utility is further extended to the field of nanotechnology, where it serves as a stabilizing agent in the synthesis of nanoparticles, helping to prevent aggregation and ensuring the production of uniformly dispersed nanoparticles. This makes ammonium hydrogencitrate a versatile agent in scientific research, contributing significantly to advancements in environmental management, biochemistry, and materials science.