Citric Acid Monohydrate

Description

Citric Acid Monohydrate is a weak organic acid, commonly found in citrus fruits, and is the monohydrate form of citric acid. It appears as colorless, odorless crystals or a white, crystalline powder. It’s used as a natural preservative, flavoring agent, and pH control agent in various industries, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
Key characteristics and uses:
Naturally Occurring: It’s a naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits like lemons and limes, where it can constitute a significant portion of the fruit’s dry weight.
White Crystalline Solid: Citric Acid Monohydrate exists as colorless, odorless crystals or a white, crystalline powder.
Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol, and sparingly soluble in ether.
Taste: It has a strongly acidic, sour taste.
pH Control: It’s a good buffer for pH control due to its three carboxyl groups.
Food and Beverage Industry: Used as a flavoring agent and preservative, particularly in soft drinks, candies, and other food products.
Pharmaceuticals: Used as an excipient in pharmaceutical preparations due to its antioxidant properties, stability-maintaining capabilities, and as a preservative. It’s also used as a pH control agent and anticoagulant.
Industrial Applications: Used as a cleaning agent, particularly to dissolve rust from steel and to passivate stainless steels.
Metabolism: It is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle), which is part of the metabolism of virtually all living organisms.
Safety: Generally regarded as safe for consumption in normal quantities.
Important Notes:
Monohydrate vs. Anhydrous: Citric acid can also exist in an anhydrous (water-free) form.
Efflorescence: Citric Acid Monohydrate is efflorescent in dry air.
Reactivity: It is considered non-toxic and has low reactivity.
Biodegradable: It is fully biodegradable and can be disposed of with regular waste or sewage.