trisodium citrate

Trisodium citrate is the trisodium salt of citric acid with the chemical formula Na₃C₆H₅O₇. It appears as a white crystalline powder or granules and is highly soluble in water[1][4][5]. Trisodium citrate acts as a mild base and has a saline, mildly tart taste. In medicine, it functions primarily as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions in blood to prevent clotting[1][2]. It is used in blood transfusions and blood preservation, as well as for locking vascular catheters due to its lower risk of systemic anticoagulation compared to heparin[1]. Additionally, it serves as an antacid before anesthesia for caesarean sections and can relieve discomfort from urinary tract infections or acidosis. Trisodium citrate also finds use in oral rehydration solutions and sports nutrition for its buffering capacity[8]. Outside medicine, it is widely used in food processing as a flavor enhancer, acidity regulator (buffer), emulsifier/stabilizer in dairy products and beverages; it also has industrial applications such as scale removal from boilers due to its chelating properties[6].

Brand names

Nauzene

Other names

sodium citratesodium citrate tribasictrisodium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid trisodium salt dihydratecitrosodinenatrocitral枸橼酸钠 (Chinese)柠檬酸三钠 (Chinese)