Potassium Citrate (E332)

Description

1. Product Overview

Potassium Citrate (E332) is a high-purity potassium salt of citric acid supplied for industrial and food‑grade applications. It functions primarily as a buffering agent, potassium fortifier, and chelating/anti‑crystallization additive across food & beverage, pharmaceutical formulation, and industrial processing. Its key value proposition is reliable, specification‑driven performance that delivers pH stability, potassium supplementation, and improved process control while meeting regulatory expectations for E‑number food use. Strategically, Potassium Citrate (E332) serves as a single, compliant ingredient that reduces formulation complexity, supports product shelf‑life, and enables predictable supply for scale manufacturing.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical composition: Potassium citrate, typically presented as tribasic or dibasic salt depending on grade.

• CAS/Identifiers: CAS registry consistent with potassium citrate (refer to supplier certificate).

• Purity / Grade: Food‑grade / industrial grade; typical assay ≥ 99.0% (specify grade on PO).

• Moisture content: ≤ 1.0% (food/industrial grades; confirm batch COA).

• Appearance / Physical form: White to off‑white crystalline powder granules.

• Particle size: Standard industrial powder (e.g., D90 ≤ 250 µm); custom milling available on request.

• Bulk density: Approx. 0.6–0.8 g/cm³ (packed density varies by packing).

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; rapid dissolution characteristics for process integration.

• pH (1% w/v aqueous): Typically mildly alkaline consistent with buffering function.

• Heavy metals: Compliant with food/pharma limits (Pb, As, Cd, Hg; see COA).

• Microbiological: Meets specified microbial limits for food‑grade (TPC, yeasts, molds; COA provided).

• Packaging options: 25 kg multi‑wall kraft bags with PE liner, 500 kg FIBCs (bulk bags), 20 MT bulk palletized or ISO tank alternatives where permitted.

• Shelf life: 24 months when stored in original sealed packaging, cool dry conditions (relative humidity controlled).

• Certifications & documentation: Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS), allergen statement, and regulatory compliance information (E332 status) available on request.

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Food & Beverage: Used as an acidity regulator, sequestrant, and potassium fortification agent in beverages, dairy products, confectionery, and processed foods. Improves taste profile and stabilizes formulations compared to harsher acids/salts.

• Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical: Employed in effervescent tablets, electrolyte solutions, and buffered formulations where controlled potassium delivery and pH stability are required. Offers predictable API compatibility and compaction characteristics versus alternative potassium salts.

• Chemical Processing: Functions as a chelating and buffering agent in industrial cleaner formulations and laboratory reagents where corrosion control and scale inhibition are necessary.

• Water Treatment & Desalination Pre‑treatment: Used in specific formulations to manage scale and ionic balance during treatment processes.

• Specialty Manufacturing: Applicable in metal finishing, textile processing, and adhesives where controlled alkalinity and chelation improve process yields.
  Why it outperforms alternatives: Potassium Citrate provides a balanced combination of buffering capacity, high solubility, and potassium availability with lower corrosivity and better sensory profile (for food applications) than stronger alkali or chloride salts. Its well‑defined chemistry simplifies formulation adjustments, reduces process variability, and often lowers downstream correction costs.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality consistency: Batch COAs and strict QC release criteria ensure predictable assay, moisture, and impurity profiles suitable for regulated production.

• Supply reliability: Established supply chain with bulk inventory planning and contracted production capacity to support continuous manufacturing and seasonal demand.

• Logistics capability: Flexible packaging and palletization options, container loading expertise, and ability to coordinate FOB, CIF, EXW or DDP terms for major global ports. 20 MT bulk palletized loads and FIBC options enable cost‑efficient bulk movement.

• Price competitiveness: Commodity pricing model with volume discounts, long‑term contract pricing, and hedged procurement options for large buyers.

• Sustainability: Sourced and produced with process efficiencies to reduce waste and energy intensity; documented waste‑management practices and recyclable packaging options available.

• Technical support & documentation: Dedicated technical service for formulation support, COA and SDS delivery, regulatory guidance for E332 usage limits, and on‑demand application trials or sample provision.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): BULK 20MT

• Loading capacity (MT per container): Standard 20 MT per 20‑foot container (palletized bags); up to 22–24 MT possible with optimized bagging and stowage depending on packing and carrier specifications.