Citric Acid
Citric Acid is a naturally derived, organic acid widely used as an acidulant, chelating agent, and buffering ingredient across food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications.
CAS # 77-92-9
Citric Acid is a widely used, naturally derived organic acid valued for its excellent acidulating, chelating, and buffering properties. Recognized for its high purity and consistency, Citric Acid plays a critical role in food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals, personal care formulations, and industrial cleaning applications. Its broad compatibility, safety profile, and multifunctional performance make it one of the most trusted ingredients in global manufacturing.
General Properties
Molecular Formula: C₆H₈O₇
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Functionality: Acidulant, chelating agent, buffer
Applications
Food & Beverage
Widely used as an acidulant, flavor enhancer, and preservative in beverages, confectionery, dairy products, sauces, and processed foods.
Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
Used as a stabilizer, pH adjuster, and excipient in tablets, syrups, effervescent formulations, and dietary supplements.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Enhances pH control and stability in skincare, haircare, and hygiene products.
Agrochemical Manufacturing
Citric acid is used as a natural chelating and pH-adjusting agent to improve nutrient availability and fertilizer efficiency.
Cleaning & Detergents
Effective chelating agent for removing limescale, mineral deposits, and soap scum in household and industrial cleaners.
Industrial & Technical Applications
Used in metal treatment, water treatment, and specialty chemical formulations requiring controlled acidity.
Advantages
Naturally Derived & Safe: Produced through fermentation, making it suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications.
Excellent Chelating Power: Binds metal ions effectively, improving stability and cleaning performance.
Highly Soluble & Easy to Formulate: Dissolves quickly in water, simplifying processing and formulation.
Multi-Functional Ingredient: Serves as an acidulant, buffer, preservative, and chelator in a single component.
Consistent Global Quality: Available in multiple grades with reliable specifications for diverse market needs.
Safety & Handling Overview
Citric Acid is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) when used as intended but should be handled using standard industrial practices.
May cause mild eye or skin irritation with direct contact.
Dust may irritate respiratory passages.
Non-flammable and environmentally friendly.