Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Sodium Citrate (Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, CAS 6132-04-3, molecular formula Na₃C₆H₅O₇·2H₂O, MW 294.10) is a sodium salt of citric acid used extensively as a buffering agent, chelating agent, anticoagulant, and flavor modulator in pharmaceutical, food, and medical device applications. China is the world’s largest producer of citric acid and its salts, with annual sodium citrate capacity exceeding 500,000 metric tons from production facilities in Anhui, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Henan provinces.
In pharmaceutical formulations, sodium citrate serves as a pH buffer in oral and parenteral solutions, an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes and blood banking, and a complexing agent to enhance drug solubility. It is also widely used as an emulsifying salt, sequestrant, and acidity regulator in food products. Chinese manufacturers produce pharma-grade sodium citrate through neutralization of fermentation-derived citric acid with sodium hydroxide, achieving exceptional purity through crystallization and recrystallization processes.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold China ISO 9001:2015, FSSC 22000, and kosher/halal certifications. Quality control tests include assay (complexometric titration), water content, pH, chloride, sulfate, oxalate, heavy metals, iron, readily carbonizable substances, and endotoxin testing for injectable grades. Products conform to USP/NF, EP, FCC, JP, and ChP specifications.
Citric acid feedstock is produced by Aspergillus niger fermentation of corn-derived glucose, ensuring bio-based origin. Neutralization stoichiometry, crystallization temperature, and drying conditions are precisely controlled. Injectable-grade material undergoes additional purification and endotoxin screening. Full traceability from fermentation substrate through finished salt packaging is maintained.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 6132-04-3 |
| Molecular Formula | Na₃C₆H₅O₇·2H₂O |
| Molecular Weight | 294.10 g/mol |
| Appearance | White granular crystals or powder |
| Assay | 99.0–100.5% |
| pH (5% aqueous) | 7.5–9.0 |
| Water Content | 11.0–13.0% |
| Chloride | ≤0.005% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤5 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, FCC, JP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Sodium citrate is supplied in 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags or 25 kg fiber drums, palletized for containerized shipping. Bulk 1,000 kg FIBCs are available for large orders. Lead time is 7–12 business days. Shipments from Shanghai, Qingdao, or Lianyungang ports under FOB, CIF, or DDP terms.
Complete documentation includes CoA, SDS, kosher/halal certificates, non-GMO certificates, and regulatory compliance dossiers. Non-hazardous classification simplifies global logistics.
China Supply Advantage
China produces over 70% of the world’s citric acid and sodium citrate, delivering competitive pricing 30–50% below Western alternatives. Vertically integrated production from corn fermentation through finished salt packaging ensures supply chain security and quality consistency. Chinese sodium citrate producers serve global pharmaceutical, food, and blood banking customers with regulatory-compliant material backed by extensive export experience and responsive commercial support teams.