FlavScents AInsights Entry: Ferric Ammonium Citrate Green Salt (CAS: 1185-57-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Ferric Ammonium Citrate Green Salt
- IUPAC Name: Ammonium iron(III) citrate
- CAS Number: 1185-57-5
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C6H8FeNO7
- Molecular Weight: 244.97 g/mol
Ferric ammonium citrate is a coordination complex of iron(III) with ammonium and citrate ions. The green salt variant is characterized by its specific iron content and the presence of citrate, which influences its solubility and reactivity. The functional groups include carboxylate and ammonium ions, which contribute to its stability and interaction with other compounds. Its structure is relevant to its use in various applications, including its role as a source of iron in dietary supplements and its potential use in flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Ferric ammonium citrate green salt does not have a significant odor or flavor profile that is typically utilized in flavor or fragrance applications. Its primary sensory role is not as a direct contributor to taste or aroma but rather as a functional ingredient that may influence the overall sensory characteristics of a formulation through its chemical interactions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Ferric ammonium citrate is not naturally occurring and is synthesized through the reaction of ferric hydroxide with citric acid and ammonium hydroxide. This synthetic pathway allows for the controlled production of the compound, ensuring consistency in its chemical properties. It is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Ferric ammonium citrate is primarily used as a source of iron in dietary supplements and fortified foods rather than as a direct flavoring agent. Its role in flavor systems is more functional, contributing to the nutritional profile rather than the sensory characteristics. Typical use levels in food products are determined by nutritional requirements rather than flavor impact, and specific ppm ranges are not typically documented for flavor purposes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, ferric ammonium citrate is not commonly used as a primary ingredient due to its lack of a distinct aroma profile. However, it may be included in formulations where its chemical properties can influence the stability or interaction of other fragrance components. Its contribution is more likely to be as a modifier or stabilizer rather than a direct scent contributor.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Ferric ammonium citrate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for use as a nutrient supplement.
- European Union: Approved for use as a food additive under specific conditions.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Approved in several countries, including Japan and China, primarily for nutritional purposes.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in countries like Brazil, with specific regulations depending on the application.
The regulatory status primarily focuses on its use as a nutritional supplement rather than a flavor or fragrance ingredient.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Ferric ammonium citrate is considered safe for oral consumption within established dietary limits. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is based on its role as an iron supplement.
- Dermal Exposure: Not typically associated with dermal applications; limited data on irritation or sensitization.
- Inhalation Exposure: Not relevant for typical use scenarios; low volatility minimizes inhalation risk.
The risk profile is primarily concerned with its nutritional use, with safety assessments focusing on iron content and bioavailability.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Ferric ammonium citrate is valued for its role as an iron source in nutritional products. Formulators should consider its solubility and stability in various matrices. It is often used in conjunction with other ingredients to enhance bioavailability and minimize potential interactions that could affect product quality. Common pitfalls include overuse leading to metallic off-flavors or interactions with other components that may affect stability.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on ferric ammonium citrate is well-established, particularly regarding its nutritional applications. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific flavor and fragrance applications are less common and may rely on anecdotal evidence. Regulatory frameworks are clear, with harmonized guidelines across major markets.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges where applicable
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-04-14 20:59:31 GMT (p2)