Citrate Buffer Solution

Citrate Buffer Solution

Buffer System
Citric Acid / Trisodium Citrate

Description
A clear, aqueous buffer solution prepared from citric acid and trisodium citrate. Designed to maintain stable pH within the acidic range, commonly used in laboratory, biochemical, and analytical applications.

Chemical Composition
Citric Acid (C₆H₈O₇ or C₆H₈O₇·H₂O)
Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate (Na₃C₆H₅O₇·2H₂O)
Distilled/Deionized Water

Typical Specifications
Concentration: 0.05 M – 0.2 M (commonly 0.1 M)
pH Range: 3.0 – 6.2
Appearance: Clear, colorless solution
Odor: Odorless
Available pH Variants
pH 4.0 – pH 6.0
(Custom pH available on request)

Function / Role
Maintains stable acidic pH
Resists pH changes upon dilution or addition of small acids/bases
Provides controlled environment for biochemical reactions

Key Applications
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Enzyme reactions
Protein studies
Histology / Immunohistochemistry
Antigen retrieval (heat-induced epitope retrieval)
Analytical Chemistry
pH control in assays
Pharmaceutical Formulation
Stabilization of active ingredients

Preparation Principle
Formed by combining a weak acid (citric acid) with its conjugate base (citrate ion from trisodium citrate) to establish a buffering equilibrium.
Solubility
Fully miscible in water
Stability
Chemically stable under normal laboratory conditions
pH remains stable within defined buffer capacity
Storage Conditions
Store at 2–8 °C for extended shelf life
Can be stored at room temperature for short-term use
Keep container tightly closed to prevent contamination

Packaging Options
1 L

Quality Grades
Analytical Reagent (AR)
Laboratory Grade
Molecular Biology Grade (optional, nuclease-free)
Shelf Life
6–12 months (recommended when stored properly)
Safety Information
Low hazard under normal use
Avoid microbial contamination
Use clean handling techniques.