Ammonium citrate tribasic (CAS 3458-72-8)

Ammonium citrate tribasic, also known as triammonium citrate, is a chemical compound with the formula (NH4)3C6H5O7. This salt is formed by the complete neutralization of citric acid with high purity ammonium hydroxide, resulting in a non-toxic, biodegradable compound that is mostly used in industrial and research settings. It is characterized by its ability to function as a buffering agent or a chelating agent due to the presence of three ammonium ions, which can effectively control pH and bind metal ions in solution. In research, ammonium citrate tribasic is primarily utilized in analytical chemistry as a component of buffer solutions. Its chelating properties make it particularly useful in the fractionation of different metals or minerals during complexation reactions, where it helps in stabilizing ions in solution, thereby facilitating their analysis and separation. For instance, it is employed in the analysis of soil or geological samples where it aids in the dissolution of trace metals, making them available for spectrometric detection. Furthermore, its application extends to the field of biotechnology, where it is used in the purification processes for proteins and other biomolecules by helping to maintain the integrity and activity of these molecules during extractions and purifications. The compound is also used in the electronics industry as a stabilizer and in the ceramics industry to improve the quality and durability of ceramic products.