Dicalcium citrate is a compound with formula C6H6Ca2O7. It is a calcium acid salt of citric acid. It is a compound that combines calcium with citric acid, forming a salt of calcium. It’s commonly used as a dietary supplement to help with calcium intake, as calcium is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscle function.
t provides a bioavailable form of calcium that is easier for the body to absorb compared to other calcium salts like calcium carbonate. It is often used in supplements for people who need to increase their calcium intake, such as those with osteoporosis, pregnant or lactating women, or people with calcium deficiencies.
Properties
- Chemical formula: C6H6Ca2O7
- Molar mass: 270.26 g/mol
- Appearance: It is typically a white, odorless, and crystalline powder.
- Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water and relatively insoluble in alcohol. The solubility increases in the presence of an acidic medium.
- Stability: It is stable under normal conditions. However, it may degrade under extreme heat or in the presence of strong acids.
- pH: It typically has a mildly alkaline pH when dissolved in water, around 6-7.
Natural Occurrence
Dicalcium citrate does not naturally occur in significant amounts but can be found in trace amounts in some plants or in processed foods. It is not a mineral in the same sense as calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate, which occur naturally as rocks or minerals.
Production
Dicalcium citrate is typically synthesized by reacting calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) with citric acid (C₆H₈O₇) in a controlled reaction. The process involves neutralizing citric acid to form calcium citrate compounds.
The general synthesis can be represented as:
2𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 + 2𝐶6𝐻8𝑂7 → 𝐶𝑎2(𝐶6𝐻5𝑂7)2 + 2𝐶𝑂2 + 𝐻2𝑂
(Reaction of calcium carbonate with citric acid)
Applications
- Calcium Supplement: Used in nutritional supplements as a calcium source for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Food Additive: It is used to fortify certain foods with calcium, such as fruit juices, cereals, and dairy products.
- Antacid: Can be used as an ingredient in some antacid formulations due to its ability to neutralize stomach acid.
- Pharmaceuticals: Incorporated into various pharmaceutical formulations for calcium supplementation.
- Cosmetics: Sometimes used in skincare products for its potential to support the skin barrier due to its calcium content.
