Magnesium Citrate

What is Magnesium Citrate?

Molecular Formula (Magnesium Citrate): C₁₂H₁₀Mg₃O₁₄

Molecular Weight: 451.12 g/mol

Chemical Name: Trimagnesium Citrate

CAS Number: 3344-18-1

Magnesium is among the most common minerals found in the body.

It is one of the most important substances among magnesium minerals, being a citrate derivative. In this compound, the magnesium element has cathartic effects.

Magnesium Citrate is a low-volume osmotic cathartic agent. It is an inactive ingredient used in pharmaceutical applications.

It is the magnesium salt of Citric Acid. It is a compound found in many types of skin.

Other Names Are As Follows;

• Magnesium Dicitrate
• Trimagnesium Citrate
• 1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-magnesium salt
• Citric Acid Magnesium Salt
• Trimagnesium Dicitrate

How is Magnesium Citrate Produced?

The production of this citrate compound is achieved by the reaction of magnesium carbonate and citric acid. Magnesium oxide can also be used as a magnesium source during the production process.

First, Citric Acid is dissolved in water in a tank. To ensure complete dissolution of the Citric Acid, the temperature is increased to 70 °C with steam output.

After the dissolution process of Citric Acid is completed, food-grade magnesium oxide is added into the reactor in a stoichiometric ratio. The reaction is exothermic. A high amount of heat is released.

As the reaction continues during the production process, a white precipitate forms. The solid matter in the solution is filtered and dried. The drying temperature is set to 150 °C. The drying process takes over approximately 50 hours. This way, the water within the magnesium citrate is completely evaporated.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

It is in the form of a white powder in physical appearance.

Melting point is 185 °C.

Density: 1.67 g/cm³

Boiling Point: No information available.

Its solubility in water is low. It has good solubility in dilute acids. For example, it can dissolve in hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid.

What are the Usage Areas of Magnesium Citrate?

• Magnesium is an element used in the manufacture of lightweight Magnesium-Aluminum alloys, which have great commercial importance.
• Due to its easy absorption in the body, it has the ability to stimulate the synthesis activity of nitric oxide. Therefore, its use in this field is more suitable compared to other magnesium compounds.
• It has significant effects on stimulating the biosynthesis of platelet-activating factor in the organism.
• Nitric Oxide and Platelet-activating factor have certain effects within the body. While nitric oxide can stimulate intestinal secretion, platelet-activating factor contributes to the increase of gastrointestinal activities.
• It is used as an active ingredient in the manufacture of laxative medicines. For this, the correct magnesium source must be preferred.
• It is used as a magnesium source in tablet formulas.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

Magnesium Citrate price is directly dependent on the prices of the chemicals used in its production. As Citric Acid prices and magnesium oxide prices increase, the prices of this chemical compound will also increase.

As companies that are distributors of trimagnesium citrate increase their stocks, prices will experience short-term decreases.

Prices have been on the rise with the decrease of magnesium mines in the world. Especially the high energy costs in its production are an important factor in the prices of this chemical substance.