Sodium citrate

The citrate anion

Sodium citrate usually refers to trisodium citrate, though it can refer to any of the sodium salts of citric acid:

• Monosodium citrate
• Disodium citrate
• Trisodium citrate

Monosodium citrate

Main article: monosodium citrate

Disodium citrate

Main article: disodium citrate

Trisodium citrate

Main article: Trisodium citrate

Trisodium citrate has the chemical formula of Na₃C₃H₅O(CO₂)₃. It possesses a saline, or mildly tart, flavor. Trisodium citrate is chiefly used as a food additive, usually for flavor or as a preservative.

Uses

Trisodium citrate is employed as a flavoring agent in certain varieties of club soda.

Sodium citrate is used by Canadian Blood Services as an anticoagulant during apheresis. The saline compound is added in small amounts to blood collected from a donor and is included in the blood returned at the end of each cycle to avoid premature clotting.

Sodium citrate is a product of the chemical reaction Alka Seltzer produces when it comes in contact with water.

Sodium citrate is used in the relief of cystitis in women, its effect is to make the urine less acidic and therefore provide pain relief. Its is not recommended for children or men.