sitraattiioneja

Sitraattiioneja, commonly known as citrates, are salts or esters of citric acid. Citric acid itself is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. When citric acid loses one or more of its protons, it forms citrate anions, which can then combine with cations to form citrate salts or react with alcohols to form citrate esters.

In biological systems, citrates play a crucial role in metabolism, particularly in the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle). This cycle is a central pathway for energy production in aerobic organisms, where citrate is a key intermediate molecule. Citrate also acts as a chelating agent, meaning it can bind to metal ions. This property is utilized in various applications, such as preventing blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions.

Industrially, citrates are widely used as food additives, primarily as acidulants, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. Sodium citrate, for example, is commonly used in processed foods and beverages to impart a tart taste and to control pH. Potassium citrate is another common food additive, often used as an acidity regulator. Citrate esters, such as triethyl citrate, are employed as plasticizers in plastics and as solvents. They are also found in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products due to their buffering, sequestering, and cleaning properties. The safety profile of citrates is generally considered good, with them being recognized as safe for consumption by regulatory bodies worldwide.