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Citric Acid

Being one of the more potent edible acids, citric acid is primarily employed as a flavor enhancer and preservative in the food and beverage industry, notably in soft drinks and confectionery. Citric acid also proves valuable for enhancing the performance of soaps and laundry detergents within the cleaning industry.

Synonyms
2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, 2 - Hydroxy - 1, 2, 3, - Propanetricarboxylic Acid, Citric Acid Anhydrous, E 330
Chemical Formula
C6H807
CAS Number
77-92-9

Characteristics

Molar Weight
192.123 g/mol
Melting Point
153 °C
Boiling Point
310 °C
Flash Point
155 °C
Density
1.66 g/cc
Forms
White, Crystalline

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Buffer agent
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Cleaning products
  • Preservative
  • Flavouring agent
  • Oil and Gas
  • Textile handling
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetic products
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Dietary supplements

Industries

General information about Citric Acid

Citric acid is obtained from lemon juice. With the help of the mould Aspergillus niger (also known as "black mould"), industry produces citric acid in large quantities for use in various areas, such as the beverage, food and cleaning industries.
Citric acid is one of the most widespread acids in the plant kingdom and can also be found in apples, pears, sour cherries, raspberries, blackberries, currants and conifers. Mushrooms, tobacco leaves, wine and milk also contain citric acid. It is an important metabolic product of all organisms that require oxygen, including humans.
Other applications of citric acid
In addition to the above applications, citric acid can be used as a water softener, rust remover and plasticizer. It is used in adhesives and acts as an antioxidant. In the construction industry, the salts trisodium citrate and trilithium citrate, depending on the amount used, serve as retarders or accelerators for the hardening of cement. Citric acid also plays a role in the shoring of concrete.
More of citric acid
Citric acid is a carboxylic acid classified among the fruity, tricarboxylic, and hydroxycarboxylic acids. It is a colourless and water-soluble solid acid. In contrast to citric acid, citric acid monohydrate contains water - one molecule of water per molecule of citric acid.
The salts and esters of citric acid are called citrates. Citric acid can be oxidized with various oxidizing agents. In the anhydrous state, citric acid forms rhombic crystals, which are responsible for the sour taste. If a waterbased solution is prepared from citric acid, it conducts electricity.
Woman washing dishes with gloves

Citric acid and its use for household purposes

Citric acid is often found in cleaning agents. Thanks to its acidity as well as the formation of a calcium complex, it has a lime-dissolving effect. It is therefore a good alternative to vinegar cleaners, whose odour is often perceived as unpleasant.
Citric acid is used, for example, to descale washing machines and dishwashers, shower heads or faucets and kettles. In addition, citric acid is used in detergents and fabric softeners.
Portrait of a young woman looking at the mirror and applying blush using a brush

Citric acid in the cosmetics industry

In the cosmetics industry, citric acid is used to adjust the pH value, for example in skin care creams. In anti-ageing products, it promotes skin peeling and regeneration.
It is also used in hair care and facial cleansers, as well as in the manufacture of nail polish and liquid soap.
Cropped shot of young woman drinking vegan smoothie with metal straw. GettyImages-1246359613.jpg

Citric acid in the food and beverage industry

Citric acid is labeled as E330 in the food industry and is generally allowed in unlimited doses. It is a component of many fruits and thus a natural ingredient in many juices. Citric acid and its salts are used in the food industry as a flavouring agent and for preservation.
Among other things, it acts as an acidifier or acidity regulator for foods and beverages such as lemonade and iced tea, and is also used in sherbet powder, sweets and jam. Citric acid is also used in the production of beer and wine.
In fish dishes, citric acid neutralizes possibly dominant fish odour. It is also used in the production of meat and dairy products, such as cheese.

Citric acid in agriculture

Citric acid is also used in the production of fertilizers, algaecides and animal feed. It ensures faster plant growth and promotes photosynthesis and phytoextraction.
Citric acid in medicine
In medicines, citric acid is used as a preservative, and in dentistry it is used to flush root canals. It also prevents blood clotting and is thus used, among other things, in the preservation of blood donations and for coagulation analyses.
The intake of small amounts of citric acid promotes the absorption of calcium and thus stimulates bone growth. Food supplements therefore often contain calcium citrate. Magnesium citrate, which prevents muscle cramps, is also available on the market.