Calcium citrate

Calcium citrate

Names
IUPAC name 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propane- tricarboxylic acid calcium salt (2:3)
Other names E333
Identifiers
CAS Number	813-94-5 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	12584 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.011.265
EC Number	212-391-7
E number	E333 (antioxidants, ...)
PubChem CID	13136
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID7061148
InChI InChI=1S/2C6H8O7.3Ca/c2*7-3(8)1-6(13,5(11)12)2-4(9)10;;;/h2*13H,1-2H2,(H,7,8)(H,9,10)(H,11,12);;;/q;;3*+2/p-6 Y Key: FNAQSUUGMSOBHW-UHFFFAOYSA-H Y InChI=1/2C6H8O7.3Ca/c2*7-3(8)1-6(13,5(11)12)2-4(9)10;;;/h2*13H,1-2H2,(H,7,8)(H,9,10)(H,11,12);;;/q;;3*+2/p-6 Key: FNAQSUUGMSOBHW-CYFPFDDLAZ
SMILES [Ca+2].[Ca+2].[Ca+2].O=C([O-])CC(O)(C([O-])=O)CC(=O)[O-].[O-]C(=O)C(O)(CC([O-])=O)CC([O-])=O
Properties
Chemical formula	Ca3(C6H5O7)2
Molar mass	498.46 g/mol (anhydrous) 570.5 g/mol (tetrahydrate)
Appearance	White powder
Odor	odorless
Density	1.63 g/cm3, solid
Melting point	120 °C (loses water)
Boiling point	Decomposes
Solubility in water	0.085 g/100 mL (18 °C) 0.095 g/100 mL (25 °C)
Solubility	insoluble in alcohol
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards	Irritant
Related compounds
Other cations	Sodium citrate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Y verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

Calcium citrate is the calcium salt of citric acid. It is commonly used as a food additive (E333), usually as a preservative, but sometimes for flavor. In this sense, it is similar to sodium citrate. Calcium citrate is also used as a water softener because the citrate ions can chelate unwanted metal ions. Calcium citrate is also found in some dietary calcium supplements (e.g. Citracal). Calcium makes up 21% of calcium citrate by weight.

Chemical properties

Calcium citrate is an odorless white powder, practically insoluble in cold water.

Like citric acid, calcium citrate has a sour taste. Like other salts, however, it also has a salty taste. This should not be confused with the product commonly found in grocery stores labeled as "sour salt", which is simply powdered citric acid (which only resembles salt superficially).

Production

Calcium citrate is an intermediate in the isolation of citric acid from the fermentation process by which citric acid is produced industrially. The citric acid in the broth solution is neutralized by calcium hydroxide, precipitating insoluble calcium citrate. This is then filtered off from the rest of the broth and washed to give clean calcium citrate.

The calcium citrate thus produced may be sold as-is, or it may be converted to citric acid using dilute sulfuric acid.

Biological role

In many individuals, bioavailability of calcium citrate is found to be equal to that of the cheaper calcium carbonate. However, alterations to the digestive tract may change how calcium is digested and absorbed. Unlike calcium carbonate, which is basic and neutralizes stomach acid, calcium citrate has no effect on stomach acid. Individuals who are sensitive to antacids or who have difficulty producing adequate stomach acid should choose calcium citrate over calcium carbonate for supplementation. According to recent research into calcium absorption after gastric bypass surgery, calcium citrate may have improved bioavailability over calcium carbonate in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients who are taking calcium citrate as a dietary supplement after surgery. This is mainly due to the changes related to where calcium absorption occurs in the digestive tract of these individuals.

External links

• National Cancer Institute