General Description

Tripotassium citrate, also known as potassium citrate, is a potassium salt of citric acid with the molecular formula K3C6H5O7. It is a white, crystalline powder that is odorless with a saline taste. It is commonly used in food processing as an additive due to its traits as a buffer, chelating agent, and a stabilizer. Tripotassium citrate has a high capacity to bind to calcium ions, which makes it useful in the medical field to prevent certain types of kidney stones. It maintains the alkalinity of urine and dissolves kidney stones. It is also used in pharmaceutical formulations and in the manufacture of effervescent tablets.