What is Citric Acid?
Citric Acid (C₆H₈O₇), the weak organic acid chemically classified as a monoprotic acid, is predominantly found in citrus fruits in its natural form. It can also be found industrially produced as a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Due to its sharp and tangy taste, citric acid has become a multifunctional ingredient in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and even cleaning supplies.
Common Applications
Citric Acid’s preservative properties, in addition to its acidity, are extremely valuable in a variety of industries. These include:
- Food and Drinks: As an acidulant, preservative, and flavor enhancer, it is ingested in drinks, jams, candies, and even in ready-to-eat meals.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care: Mildly exfoliant, it is found in soaps, shampoos, and even creams to balance pH.
- Pharmaceuticals: As a pH adjuster and stabilizer, Citric Acid is dominantly found in medicines, syrups, and effervescent tablets.
- Cleaning Products: In disinfectants, surface cleaners, and descaling agents, it serves as a pH, lime-scale, or stain remover.
- Industrial Functions: Used as a chelating agent for detergents, metal treatment chemicals, and steam boilers.
- Textile Industry: Functions as a sequestering agent in dyeing and printing.
- Agriculture: In fertilizers or when adjusting the pH of soil and water.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Type | Anhydrous / Monohydrate |
| Purity | 99.5% min |
| Appearance | White Crystalline Powder |
| Moisture Content | < 1.0% |
| Packaging | 25kg bags, 50kg bags, Jumbo bags |
