Citric Acid
Citric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOC(CO2H)(CH2CO2H)2. It is a colorless weak organic acid. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms.
Citric acid occurs in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits. Lemons and limes have particularly high concentrations of the acid; it can constitute as much as 8% of the dry weight of these fruits (about 47 g/L in the juices
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| Form | Crystal |
| Usage/Application | Food Grade |
| Packaging Size | 25 Kg |
| Packaging Type | Bag |
| Type | Food Grade |
| Boiling Point | 310 degree |
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. It is widely used in various industries due to its acidity, flavor-enhancing properties, and ability to act as a preservative. Here are some common uses of citric acid:
1. Food and Beverage Industry:
– Acidulant: Citric acid is commonly used as an acidulant in the food and beverage industry to provide a sour or tart flavor. It’s used in soft drinks, fruit-flavored beverages, candies, jams, and gelatin desserts.
– Preservative: It acts as a preservative by lowering the pH of food products, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and molds. It is often used in canned fruits and vegetables, condiments, and some processed meats.
– Flavor Enhancer: Citric acid enhances the natural flavors of fruits and can be used to balance sweetness in various food products.
2. Pharmaceuticals:
– Citric acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry for its acidifying properties. It can be an ingredient in effervescent tablets, syrups, and other oral medications.
3. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
– Citric acid is used in cosmetics and personal care items such as shampoos, soaps, and skincare products. It can act as a chelating agent, stabilizing formulas and adjusting pH levels.
4. Cleaning Products:
– Due to its acidity, citric acid is used in some cleaning products, especially in eco-friendly and natural cleaners. It helps remove mineral deposits, scale, and stains.
5. Water Softeners:
– Citric acid is used in water softeners to break down limescale and prevent mineral buildup in appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
6. Photography:
– In the field of photography, citric acid is used as a stop bath to neutralize the developing solution on photographic film or paper.
7. Textile Industry:
– Citric acid is employed in dyeing processes, acting as a chelating agent and helping to fix dyes to fabrics.
8. Flavoring Agent:
– Citric acid is sometimes used as a flavoring agent in certain recipes, especially in home canning and preserving to enhance the taste of fruits.
9. Buffering Agent:
– It is used as a buffering agent in the preparation of certain solutions to maintain a stable pH.
10. Biotechnology:
– In laboratories, citric acid is used in various biotechnological processes, including the production of certain enzymes.
Citric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in food and pharmaceutical applications in appropriate concentrations. It is a versatile and widely utilized compound in different industries for its diverse properties.
The chemical formula of citric acid is C₆H₈O₇. It is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits. The chemical structure of citric acid is composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms:
HOOC — C — OH
|
HO — C — OH
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COOH — OH
In this structure:
– H represents hydrogen.
– C represents carbon.
– O represents oxygen.
Citric acid is widely used in the food and beverage industry for its sour taste, as well as in various other applications, including cleaning products and the pharmaceutical industry.