How to Make Sodium Citrate Anticoagulant
Sodium citrate is a salt produced through the reaction of sodium carbonate with citric acid that serves as an anticoagulant for fractionated blood or plasma or for blood intended to be stored. Since 1914, this sodium salt has been used to preserve blood in blood banks. The calcium ions present in the blood are chelated by the citrate ion of sodium citrate. Chelation is a process in which organic compounds form multiple bonds with a single metal ion, resulting in the formation of complex molecules that are highly soluble, thus making the ions inactive so they won't react with other elements or ions to produce precipitates or coagulated fluid. Chelation of the calcium ions by the citrate ions results in the formation of calcium citrate complexes that consequently disrupt the natural tendency of the blood to clot.
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Things You'll Need
- Citric acid (C6H8O7), anhydrous (2 moles)
- Water (500 ml)
- Beaker (250 ml)
- Mettler balance
- Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), anhydrous (3 moles)
- Evaporating dish
- Tripod
- Bunsen burner
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Prepare an aqueous solution of citric acid by putting anhydrous citric acid into a beaker of water. Measure 74.44 g (0.387 moles) of anhydrous citric acid using a Mettler balance, and dissolve it in 100 ml water.
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2
Measure 61.61 g (0.581 moles) of sodium carbonate using a Mettler balance.
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3
Add the sodium carbonate to this solution slowly. The reaction will create a vigorous fizzing sound as an indication that carbon dioxide is being produced.
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4
Keep adding sodium carbonate until the solution stops fizzing. This is a sign that complete neutralization has taken place. This will produce 100 g (0.387 moles) of sodium citrate (in the form of trisodium citrate, C6H5Na3O7).
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5
Place an evaporating dish onto a tripod. Heat the solution with a Bunsen burner until it boils (boil in an evaporating dish so the water will evaporate).
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6
Collect the sodium citrate salt remaining on the evaporating dish.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you desire a different amount of sodium citrate, adjust the amounts of citric acid and sodium carbonate in direct proportions. Handle all chemicals with extreme care, as they can be harmful to your health. Measure chemicals accurately to ensure the sodium citrate is prepared correctly. Always add the citric acid to water and never the other way around. It is a chemical principle to always add acid (AAA).
Citric acid is combustible, which means it will cause explosions when it comes near fire. Citric acid may cause shortness of breath and severe coughing due to a sore throat, if inhaled. Sodium carbonate may cause redness of the eyes if it comes into contact with them. Sodium citrate powder may cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract if inhaled, resulting in a cough as well as a sore throat.
