1. Ammonium ferric citrate is an organic compound. It is a double salt of ferric citrate FeC6H5O7 and ammonium citrate (NH4)3C6H5O7. Its composition varies with different synthesis conditions, and there is no exact chemical formula. The molecular formula is C6H8FeNO7. Brown or green scales or powder. Odorless. It is used in the photographic industry, pharmaceutical industries, and can also be used as a food iron fortifier.
2. There are two forms according to the iron content: when it is 14.5% to 16.0%, it is a green scale. Iron is brown and scaly when it is 16.5% to 18.5%. Both are complex salts composed of iron, ammonium, and citric acid. Both are prone to deliquescence and mildew.
3. The former is transparent green thin scale, granular crystal, or crystalline powder. Odorless or slightly ammoniacal and mild iron metallic taste. Paper coated with green ferric ammonium citrate and red blood salt (potassium ferricyanide) is called blue printing paper. When exposed to light, the ferric iron in the citrate is reduced to divalent, and Teng’s blue is produced when it meets water, so the light-receiving part turns blue. The amount that is not exposed to light is still white, and a white line pattern on a blue background can be obtained. Under light, the green scales are more susceptible to photoreduction to ferrous salts.
4. It is easy to deliquescence in the air and is affected by light (hydrolysis). Prone to mildew. Very soluble in water (1g/0.5m1), the aqueous solution is nearly neutral, insoluble in ethanol and ether. The pH value of 5% aqueous solution is about 5.0~8.0.
Uses of ferric ammonium citrate
Catalyst: Ferric ammonium citrate can act as a catalyst to speed up the rate of certain reactions. For example, it can speed up the reaction when oxidizing certain substances while reducing the necessary temperature and pressure, which makes the reaction more efficient while reducing energy consumption and cost.
Oxidizing agent: Ferric ammonium citrate can also act as an oxidizing agent, oxidizing some reacting substances to a higher oxidation state. For example, in the reaction of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, ferric ammonium citrate is used as an oxidizing agent to oxidize the sodium hypochlorite to sodium peroxide, thereby producing more oxygen.
Red dye: Ferric ammonium citrate can also be used as a red dye. For example, when copper sulfate and ferric ammonium citrate react in certain reactions, a red precipitate is formed that can be used to detect carbonate.
Nutritional supplements (iron fortifiers). Used in dairy products, wheat flour for bread, etc. Also used as an anticaking agent.
The brown product is used as a blood tonic to treat iron-deficiency anemia; it can be used as a food additive, and the iron content is 16.5%-21.2% according to Japan’s “Food Additives Convention”.
nutritional supplements. Iron fortifier, iron for anti-anemia (1~2g per oral administration). Can be added to biscuits and milk powder. Not suitable for food that is not suitable for coloring.
Ferric ammonium citrate is used as a food iron fortifier, and its absorption effect is better than that of inorganic iron. It can be used in table salt and sandwich candy, the dosage is 4000~8000mg/kg. It is 1200~1350mg/kg in high-iron cereals and their products (limit this kind of food to 50g per day). 400~800mg/kg in dairy products and infant food. In cereals and their products, it is 160~330mg/kg. In beverages, it is 70~140mg/kg.
For the photographic industry, the pharmaceutical industry
For microbial cultures, such as the JFM medium commonly used in the laboratory culture of ferromanganese bacteria, 10g of ferric ammonium citrate should be added, and 2g of a similar culture medium should be added.
Ammonium Ferric Citrate vs Ferrous Cyanide
The main difference between ammonium ferric citrate and ferrous cyanide lies in the scope of application. Ferric ammonium citrate has no fixed molecular formula, and it can produce different reactions according to different combinations, so the use range of ferric ammonium citrate will be wider. Ferric ammonium citrate is used as an anti-caking agent, which can delay the caking of salt when added to table salt in an appropriate proportion. Ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferrocyanide, as food additives, have to undergo safety verification and have corresponding dosage regulations.
In the end
As one of the most commonly used chemicals, ammonium ferric citrate is frequently used in our daily life. Jinbangch now offers green and brown ferric ammonium citrate. If you are interested in ferric ammonium citrate, welcome to contact us. Jinbangch will provide you with free samples and various certificates of ferric ammonium citrate.