Copper Citrate used in many
industry applications

Copper citrate is a chemical compound with various industrial applications. Here are some of its main uses:

1. Food Additive: Copper citrate is utilized as a food additive in the food industry, serving as a source of copper ions. It may be added to certain food products as a nutritional supplement to fulfill dietary copper requirements. Copper is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including energy production, antioxidant defense, and connective tissue formation.
2. Electroplating: It finds applications in electroplating processes for the deposition of copper coatings on metallic substrates. Copper citrate can serve as a copper ion source in electroplating baths, where it is dissolved in the electrolyte solution. During electroplating, copper ions are reduced at the cathode surface, resulting in the deposition of metallic copper onto the substrate, providing corrosion resistance, decorative finishes, or electrical conductivity to the plated articles.
3. Chemical Synthesis: Copper citrate is used as a precursor or catalyst in various chemical synthesis reactions. It may participate in coordination chemistry reactions or serve as a source of copper ions in organic and inorganic synthesis. Copper-containing compounds derived from copper citrate may find applications in the production of coordination complexes, pharmaceuticals, catalysts, and specialty chemicals.
4. Wood Preservative: It is employed as a wood preservative to protect timber and wood products against fungal decay and insect attack. Copper citrate can be impregnated into wood through pressure treatment or surface application methods. Once applied, copper ions released from copper citrate penetrate the wood structure and inhibit the growth of wood-destroying fungi and insects, thereby extending the service life of treated wood in outdoor and damp environments.
5. Antimicrobial Agent: Copper citrate exhibits antimicrobial properties and is utilized in various applications as a biocide or antimicrobial agent. It may be incorporated into coatings, paints, plastics, and textiles to impart antimicrobial activity and inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae. Copper ions released from copper citrate disrupt microbial cell membranes, enzymes, and DNA, leading to microbial cell death and preventing biofouling, contamination, and deterioration of treated materials.
6. Medical Applications: Copper citrate may have applications in the medical and healthcare sectors. Copper ions are known to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, and copper-based compounds are being investigated for their potential use in wound dressings, medical devices, and antimicrobial coatings. Copper citrate formulations may be explored for their efficacy in wound healing, infection control, and biomedical applications.