Ammonium, Citrate of

(NH 4 ) 2 HC 6 H 6 O 7 . Syn. Diammonium citrate , Citrate of oxide of ammonia ; Ammon′′niæ cit′ras , L. Prep. A concentrated solution of pure citric acid, gently heated, is saturated with sesquicarbonate of ammonium, in fine powder (about 7 parts to 6), and slightly in exce ; and the resulting liquid is crystallised by refrigeration in close ve els, or by evaporation in vacuo. If heat be employed in the evaporation of the solution, an acid citrate will be formed. Uses, . Chiefly as a chemical test. An extemporaneous citrate, made with lemon-juice and drunk effervescing, is employed as a saline draught, and a mild aperient and diaphoretic, in fevers, .