Citric Acid CAS 77-92-9

Citric Acid – Versatile Organic Acid for Food, Pharmaceuticals, and Industrial Applications

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 77-92-9 (anhydrous)

• Molecular Formula: C₆H₈O₇

• Molecular Weight: 192.12 g/mol

• Synonyms: 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, E330

• Appearance: White crystalline powder or colorless crystals

• Odor: Odorless

• Density: ~1.66 g/cm³ at 20°C

• Melting Point: ~153°C (decomposes)

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~59 g/100 mL at 20°C); soluble in ethanol; insoluble in non‑polar solvents

• Stability: Unstable at high temperatures (thermal decomposition)

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers

Overview
Citric acid is one of the most important organic acids, produced primarily through submerged fermentation of sugar‑containing substrates (e.g., molasses, corn syrup) using the fungus Aspergillus niger. It is a natural constituent of citrus fruits and is widely used as a food additive, acidulant, preservative, and chelating agent. Its unique combination of properties – acidity, buffering capacity, metal‑chelating ability, and safety – makes it indispensable in the food, beverage, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and cleaning industries.

Applications

• Food and beverages: Used as an acidity regulator (E330), preservative, flavor enhancer, and antioxidant synergist in soft drinks, jams, candies, dairy products, and processed foods.

• Cosmetics and personal care: Acts as a pH adjuster, exfoliant, and chelating agent in skincare products, shampoos, and lotions.

• Pharmaceuticals: Used in effervescent tablets, buffering agents, and as a stabilizer in drug formulations.

• Household and industrial cleaning: Effective in removing limescale, rust, and mineral deposits; also used as a water softener in detergents and dishwashing products.

• Other uses: As a chelating agent in metal treatment, as a reagent in chemical synthesis, and as a coagulant in certain industrial processes.

Key Benefits

• Natural and biodegradable – environmentally friendly.

• Safe at recommended concentrations – generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies.

• Multifunctional – combines acidulation, preservation, chelation, and buffering.

• Highly water‑soluble – easy to formulate in aqueous systems.

• Cost‑effective and widely available.

• Compatible with a wide range of ingredients.

Safety and Handling

• Citric acid is non‑toxic and safe for consumption at normal levels.

• May cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation in concentrated powder form.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, dust mask) when handling large quantities.

• In case of contact, rinse with plenty of water.

• Store in a dry, cool place, away from strong oxidizers and bases.

• Shelf life: typically 24–36 months under recommended conditions.

Packaging
Available in 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg, and 50 kg bags or drums. Custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for purity (≥99.5%), moisture content, heavy metals, and microbial contamination to ensure compliance with food, pharmaceutical, and industrial standards.