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Citric Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O7
CAS number
77-92-9
IUPAC name
citric acid
State
State

At room temperature, citric acid is generally in a solid state. It typically exists as a crystalline powder.

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 solid. The crystals are translucent and can come in the form of powders or granules. It has a sour taste and is slightly hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb water from the environment. In its anhydrous form, the crystals are more opaque.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Citric Acid

Citric acid (C6H8O7) is known for its remarkable solubility characteristics, making it a versatile compound in various applications. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Citric acid is extremely soluble in water, with solubility up to approximately 590 g/L at room temperature. This high solubility is advantageous in food and beverage industries where it acts as a flavoring agent.
  • Weak Acid Behavior: As a weak acid, citric acid dissociates in solution, resulting in increased ion concentration which enhances its solubility in water.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility tends to increase with temperature, which means that heating can aid in dissolving more citric acid in a given volume of water.
  • Miscibility: Citric acid is also miscible with alcohol and acetone, indicating its versatility beyond aqueous solutions.
  • pH Influence: The solubility is influenced by pH; in more acidic conditions, the solubility of citric acid tends to decrease.

Overall, the high water solubility of citric acid not only makes it a critical ingredient in culinary uses but also facilitates its role as a buffering agent in various chemical processes. Its ability to dissolve in multiple solvents further emphasizes its importance in both natural and industrial applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Citric Acid

Citric acid, known scientifically as 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, is more than just a common ingredient in your kitchen. It plays a vital role in various biological and industrial processes. Here are some captivating aspects that highlight its significance:

  • Natural Preservative: Citric acid is widely used as a preservative in food and beverages. Its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold makes it an excellent choice for prolonging shelf life.
  • Key Player in Metabolism: In cellular respiration, citric acid is a key component of the Krebs cycle (or citric acid cycle), an essential metabolic pathway that enables cells to generate energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
  • Versatile Uses: Outside the realm of culinary applications, citric acid is employed in various sectors, including:
    • Cosmetics: As a pH adjuster and exfoliant, it enhances product efficacy.
    • Pharmaceuticals: Used in medications as a buffering agent.
    • Cleaning agents: Its ability to dissolve mineral deposits makes it a valuable cleaning agent in household and industrial cleaners.
  • Beneficial for Health: Citric acid is also recognized for its antioxidant properties, potentially contributing to the body's defense against oxidative stress.
  • Citric Acid Cycle Naming: Interestingly, the citric acid cycle is named after citric acid, emphasizing its role as the first intermediate formed during the cycle.

As you can see, citric acid is much more than a common organic compound. Whether you're enjoying a refreshing glass of lemonade or studying biochemical pathways, citric acid is always at work!

Synonyms
citric acid
77-92-9
Citric acid, anhydrous
2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Anhydrous citric acid
Aciletten
Citro
Citric acid anhydrous
Citretten
Chemfill
Hydrocerol A
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-
Kyselina citronova
2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
2-Hydroxytricarballylic acid
Caswell No. 221C
3-Carboxy-3-hydroxypentane-1,5-dioic acid
FEMA No. 2306
2-Hydroxypropanetricarboxylic acid
FEMA Number 2306
beta-Hydroxytricarballylic acid
Citric acid,anhydrous
Citricum acidum
Citric acid monoglyceride
CCRIS 3292
HSDB 911
K-Lyte
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 021801
Kyselina citronova [Czech]
K-Lyte DS
AI3-06286
NSC 30279
Citronensaeure
NSC 626579
Acidum citricum
Uro-trainer
BRN 0782061
UNII-XF417D3PSL
H3cit
EINECS 201-069-1
Suby G
XF417D3PSL
NSC-30279
NSC-626579
DTXSID3020332
CHEBI:30769
Kyselina 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propantrikarbonova
MFCD00011669
NSC-112226
CHEMBL1261
Kyselina 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propantrikarbonova [Czech]
E330
DTXCID50332
2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxyic acid
.beta.-Hydroxytricarballylic acid
EC 201-069-1
citr
4-03-00-01272 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
NSC30279
NSC626579
79586-22-4
Citric acid, 99%
NCGC00090954-03
Ubiquitin
E 330
CLENPIQ COMPONENT ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID
CITRATE ANION
Acidum citricum monohydrate
C6H8O7
Citralite
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (II)
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID [II]
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (MART.)
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID [MART.]
Citric acid [USAN:JAN]
CAS-77-92-9
1,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID (USP MONOGRAPH)
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID [USP MONOGRAPH]
CITRIC ACID, ANHYDROUS (EP IMPURITY)
CITRIC ACID, ANHYDROUS [EP IMPURITY]
CITRIC ACID, ANHYDROUS (USP IMPURITY)
CITRIC ACID, ANHYDROUS [USP IMPURITY]
2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate
2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid
B1650
Citraclean
Citronensaure
acido citrico
citric-acid
Citric Acid Anhydrous; 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Anhydrous citrate
2fwp
4aci
4nrm
Citric acid, anhydrous [USP:JAN]
Citric Acid,(S)
Citric acid (8CI)
K-Lyte (Salt/Mix)
1i2s
1o4l
1rq2
1y4a
2bo4
2c4v
2fw6
4to8
Citraclean (Salt/Mix)
Spectrum3_001850
WLN: QV1XQVQ1VQ
beta-Hydroxytricarballylate
cid_311
K-Lyte/Cl (Salt/Mix)
CITRIC ACID [MI]
K-Lyte DS (Salt/Mix)
bmse000076
HOC(CH2COOH)2COOH
CITRIC ACID [FHFI]
CITRIC ACID [HSDB]
NCIStruc1_000057
NCIStruc2_000099
NCIOpen2_004062
NCIOpen2_004502
Oprea1_502996
BSPBio_003240
Citric acid anhydrous (JAN)
Citric Acid, anhydrous, USP
MLS001066346
CITRIC ACID [WHO-DD]
Citric acid, anhydrous (USP)
CITRICUM ACIDUM [HPUS]
Anhydrous citric acid (JP18)
GTPL2478
Citric acid, analytical standard
BDBM14672
Citric acid, p.a., 99.5%
KBio3_002740
Citric Acid, anhydrous, granular
4o61
Citric acid, Electrophoresis Grade
HMS1787N01
HMS2268B04
Pharmakon1600-01300013
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID [JAN]
HY-N1428
STR12052
1,2,3-Tricarboxy-2-hydroxypropane
Tox21_113436
Tox21_202405
Tox21_300124
BBL002530
NSC759606
s5761
STK286098
CITRIC ACID,ANHYDROUS [VANDF]
AKOS000119911
BETA-HYDROXY-TRICARBOXYLIC ACID
Citric Acid, anhydrous, fine granular
Citric acid, LR, anhydrous, >=99%
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 21801
ACIDUM CITRICUM [WHO-IP LATIN]
CS-6965
DB04272
FC02313
3-Carboxy-3-hydroxypentane-1,5-dioate
Citric acid, >=99.5%, FCC, FG
Citric acid, ACS reagent, >=99.5%
Citric Acid, anhydrous powder, A.C.S.
2-Hydroxy-1,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
CITRIC ACID, ANHYDROUS [WHO-IP]
NCGC00090954-01
NCGC00090954-02
NCGC00090954-04
NCGC00090954-05
NCGC00090954-06
NCGC00254055-01
NCGC00259954-01
134367-01-4
2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylicacid
BP-31028
Citric Acid, anhydrous granular, A.C.S.
DA-72240
NCI60_022579
SMR000471840
SBI-0206765.P001
Citric acid, SAJ first grade, >=99.5%
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propane tricarboxylic acid
C1949
Citric acid, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 99%
NS00007335
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylio acid, 2-hydroxy-
EN300-16683
C00158
D00037
G91031
SBI-0206765.0002
AE-562/40806920
ANHYDROUS CITRIC ACID COMPONENT OF CLENPIQ
Citric acid, BioUltra, anhydrous, >=99.5% (T)
Q159683
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy- (9CI)
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic Acid, Anhydrous
BRD-K76792669-001-08-1
Citric acid, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R)
Citric acid, meets USP testing specifications, anhydrous
F2191-0222
8F5D336A-442D-434A-9FB0-E400FF74E343
Citrate standard for IC, 1000 mg/L, analytical standard
1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID,2-HYDROXY (CITRIC ACID)
CITRIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF CRANBERRY LIQUID PREPARATION)
Citric acid, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
CITRIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF CRANBERRY LIQUID PREPARATION) [DSC]
CITRIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF GARCINIA CAMBOGIA AND GARCINIA INDICA)
Citric acid, anhydrous, cell culture tested, plant cell culture tested
Citric acid, anhydrous, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Citric acid, anhydrous, free-flowing, Redi-Dri(TM), ACS reagent, >=99.5%
CITRIC ACID (CONSTITUENT OF GARCINIA CAMBOGIA AND GARCINIA INDICA) [DSC]
Citric acid, Anhydrous, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
141633-96-7
201-069-1
Citric acid, meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, USP, E330, anhydrous, 99.5-100.5% (based on anhydrous substance)
InChI=1/C6H8O7/c7-3(8)1-6(13,5(11)12)2-4(9)10/h13H,1-2H2,(H,7,8)(H,9,10)(H,11,12