Citric Acid – The Essential Organic Acid for Modern Industry

Citric Acid is a naturally occurring, biodegradable weak acid widely utilized across food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Known for its sour taste and excellent buffering and chelating abilities, it is one of the most important organic acids used today.

Basic Information

• Chemical Name: Citric Acid (Anhydrous)

• Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇

• Molecular Weight: 192.12 g/mol

• CAS Number: 77-92-9

• Appearance: White crystalline powder

• Odor: Odorless

• Taste: Strongly sour

• Solubility: Freely soluble in water and ethanol

• pH (1% solution): ~2.2

Key Functional Properties

• Acidifying agent for pH regulation

• Chelator that binds metal ions (iron, calcium, magnesium)

• Flavor enhancer and preservative booster

• Environmentally friendly and biodegradable

• Stable in dry form and long shelf-life under proper storage

Common Applications

1. Food & Beverage Industry

• Used as an acidulant, preservative, and antioxidant

• Provides tartness in soft drinks, candies, jams, and sauces

• Controls microbial growth and improves shelf stability

2. Pharmaceuticals

• Included in effervescent tablets, syrups, and oral care formulations

• Acts as a pH adjuster, bioavailability enhancer, and stabilizer

• Also used in certain intravenous and diagnostic applications

3. Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Regulates product pH in creams, lotions, shampoos, and exfoliants

• Mild exfoliant due to its alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) nature

• Stabilizes and preserves sensitive active ingredients

4. Cleaning & Industrial Use

• Excellent descaling agent in surface cleaners and dishwashing products

• Removes limescale, mineral deposits, and soap scum

• Used in water softening, metal treatment, and boiler systems

Safety & Handling

• Non-toxic and GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for food and pharmaceutical use

• May cause eye or skin irritation in concentrated or powdered form

• Inhalation of dust should be avoided — use proper PPE when handling large quantities

• Store in a cool, dry place in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption

Environmental Considerations

• Fully biodegradable

• Safe for aquatic life in typical use concentrations

• Suitable for use in eco-friendly and green chemistry applications

Conclusion

Citric Acid is a critical, multi-purpose ingredient valued for its versatility, safety, and performance. Whether you're formulating food, medicine, cosmetics, or industrial products, citric acid provides a reliable and sustainable solution for acidity control, preservation, and cleaning.

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