Sodium citrate, a sodium salt of citric acid, is commonly used as a chelating agent for several purposes:

1. Blood Collection and Preservation: In medical and laboratory settings, sodium citrate is used as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting during collection and processing. It works by binding calcium ions, which are essential for blood clotting.

2. Food Industry: In food processing, sodium citrate acts as an emulsifying and buffering agent. It helps in stabilizing the texture and flavor of various processed foods and beverages.

3. Pharmaceuticals: Sodium citrate ATMP is used in some medications and pharmaceutical formulations as a buffering agent to maintain the desired pH levels.

4. Cosmetics: It can be used in cosmetic products to adjust pH levels and enhance the stability of formulations.

In each of these applications, sodium citrate’s ability to bind metal ions makes it valuable for controlling chemical reactions and maintaining stability.