FlavScents AInsights Entry for Tricalcium Dicitrate Tetrahydrate (CAS: 5785-44-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate
• IUPAC Name: Calcium citrate tetrahydrate
• CAS Number: 5785-44-4
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: EINECS 212-391-7
• Molecular Formula: C12H10Ca3O14·4H2O
• Molecular Weight: 570.49 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate is a calcium salt of citric acid. It does not have a significant odor profile and is primarily used for its functional properties rather than sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate is not typically associated with a distinct odor or flavor profile. It is primarily used in formulations for its functional properties, such as acting as a calcium fortification agent or acidity regulator. As such, it does not contribute significantly to the sensory characteristics of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate does not occur naturally in significant quantities. It is typically synthesized through the neutralization of citric acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate, followed by crystallization. This compound is not typically used to achieve a "natural flavor" designation, as it is more commonly employed for its nutritional and functional benefits.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate is used in flavor systems primarily as a calcium fortification agent rather than for its flavor properties. It is commonly found in dairy products, beverages, and dietary supplements. Typical use levels in food products range from 500 to 2000 ppm, depending on the desired calcium content. It is stable under normal processing conditions, including heat and pH variations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate is not commonly used in fragrance formulations due to its lack of odor. Its primary role in fragrance products, if used, would be as a stabilizing agent or to adjust the pH of the formulation. It does not contribute to the volatility or scent profile of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for use as a food additive.
• European Union: Approved as a food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in food products in countries like Japan and China, subject to specific regulations.
• Latin America: Generally approved for use in food products, with specific regulations varying by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Considered safe for consumption at typical use levels. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is generally recognized as safe.
• Dermal Exposure: Not typically relevant for dermal exposure due to its primary use in food products.
• Inhalation Exposure: Not a concern due to its non-volatile nature and typical use in food rather than inhalation products.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate is valued for its ability to fortify products with calcium without significantly altering flavor or odor profiles. It synergizes well with other calcium salts and stabilizers. Formulators should be aware of its solubility limitations and potential for precipitation in certain formulations. It is often underused in non-dairy applications where calcium fortification is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on tricalcium dicitrate tetrahydrate is well-established, particularly regarding its safety and regulatory status. However, sensory data is limited due to its functional rather than sensory role. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels may vary by application.

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
• 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 2026-01-23 13:03:31 GMT (p2)