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Citric acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O7
CAS number
77-92-9
IUPAC name
3-(carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic acid
State
State

Citric acid is typically a solid at room temperature, often presented in a crystalline or powder form. It is stable under normal conditions and can also attract moisture from the air, exhibiting deliquescent properties in a humid environment.

Melting point (Celsius)
153.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
426.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
310.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
583.15
General information
Molecular weight
192.12g/mol
Molar mass
192.1240g/mol
Density
1.6650g/cm3
Appearence

Citric acid appears as a white crystalline powder. It is often found in a granular or powder form and is highly soluble in water, giving a tart acidic taste. In its natural form, it is found in citrus fruits and is responsible for the sour taste.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-(Carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic acid

3-(Carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic acid, often referred to as a derivative of malic acid, displays notable solubility characteristics that are important to understand in various applications. Its structure, featuring multiple carboxyl groups, significantly influences its interaction with solvents.

Key Solubility Traits:

  • Polarity: The presence of multiple -COOH (carboxyl) groups enhances its polarity, leading to increased solubility in polar solvents, particularly water.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules contributes to its effective dissolution in aqueous environments.
  • pH Dependence: The solubility can vary with pH levels due to the ionization of carboxylic acid groups. At higher pH, more deprotonated forms are present, possibly increasing overall solubility.
  • Temperature: As with many organic acids, solubility tends to increase with temperature, allowing for greater dispersion in solution under heated conditions.

To summarize, the solubility of 3-(carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic acid is characterized by high water solubility owing to its polar functional groups, and can vary with both pH and temperature conditions. Understanding these solubility dynamics is essential for optimizing its use in biochemical applications and various chemical syntheses.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-(Carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic Acid

3-(Carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic acid, also known as citric acid or citric acid derivative, is a fascinating compound that plays a crucial role in both nature and industry. Here are some noteworthy points about this compound:

  • Biological Significance: It is an important intermediate in the citric acid cycle, a fundamental metabolic pathway that occurs in all aerobic organisms. This cycle is vital for energy production in cells.
  • Natural Presence: Found naturally in citrus fruits, this compound contributes to their characteristic sour taste and is widely used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
  • Chelation Properties: The ability of 3-(carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic acid to bind metal ions allows it to be utilized as a chelating agent in various chemical applications, including the formulation of cleaning products and in metal extraction processes.
  • pH Regulation: This compound is often used in food preservation due to its ability to act as a natural preservative and pH stabilizer, enhancing the shelf life of products.
  • Versatile Applications: Beyond food, it finds uses in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even in the production of biodegradable plastics, demonstrating its versatility as a compound.

In summary, 3-(carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxy-pentanedioic acid is more than just a molecule; it is a bridge between chemistry and everyday life, connecting metabolic processes with industrial applications. Its diverse roles illustrate the fascinating interplay between organic chemistry and biological systems.

Synonyms
3-(carboxymethyl)-3-hydroxypentanedioic acid
115996-74-2
SCHEMBL880688
CHEMBL1178248
CHEBI:174024
EN300-188559