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Citric Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O7·H2O
CAS number
77-92-9
IUPAC name
citric acid;hydrate
State
State

At room temperature, citric acid is a solid. It exists as a crystalline powder which is stable in this form under normal conditions. The monohydrate form is also common, as citric acid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air.

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
1.5425g/cm3
Appearence

Citric acid appears as a white crystalline powder. It is colorless in its pure form and exhibits a strong tart taste, characteristic of citrus fruits. When hydrated, it typically forms transparent crystals that are efflorescent in air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Citric Acid

Citric acid, with the chemical formula C6H8O7, is a naturally occurring organic acid widely known for its sour taste and preservative qualities. Its solubility properties are particularly noteworthy:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Citric acid is highly soluble in water, with solubility rates reported up to 60 g/100 mL at room temperature. This makes it very useful in various applications, especially in food and beverage industries.
  • Effect of Temperature: The solubility of citric acid increases with temperature, enhancing its effectiveness in various chemical processes.
  • Hydrate Forms: Citric acid commonly exists in hydrated forms, which can influence its solubility. For instance, citric acid monohydrate (C6H8O7•H2O) remains soluble, but the degree of hydration can impact its handling and stability.

The dissolution process of citric acid in water is often accompanied by the release of hydrogen ions, which contribute to its characteristic acidic properties. This makes citric acid not just soluble but also an effective acidulant and chelating agent. According to scientists, "the reactivity and solubility of citric acid allow it to act as a versatile compound in both chemical and biological systems."

In summary, citric acid's remarkable solubility in water and its behavior as a hydrate provide significant advantages in practical applications, emphasizing the importance of understanding solubility in the study and usage of chemical compounds.

Interesting facts

Citric Acid Hydrate: An Overview

Citric acid is a fascinating compound that plays a pivotal role in both the culinary world and various biological processes. Its hydrate form is particularly interesting due to its unique properties and applications. Here are some key facts about citric acid hydrate:

  • Natural Preservative: Citric acid is widely utilized as a natural preservative in the food industry. Its ability to inhibit microbial growth helps prolong the shelf life of products.
  • Citrus Fruits: This compound is abundant in citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges. It gives these fruits their characteristic sour flavor and contributes to their nutritional value.
  • Biochemical Role: Citric acid is an essential component of the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), which is vital for cellular respiration in living organisms. This highlights its importance in energy production.
  • Versatile Uses: Beyond its culinary applications, citric acid is found in cleaning products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its ability to act as a pH adjuster and chelating agent.
  • Hydration Effects: The hydrate version of citric acid can have different solubility properties compared to its anhydrous form, making it an interesting compound to study in terms of how hydration affects its behavior.

In summary, citric acid hydrate is not only a vital compound in chemistry but also a substance that impacts our daily lives in countless ways. As a scientist, understanding its properties and applications opens up a world of possibilities, from improving food preservation to exploring its roles in biochemical pathways. The next time you enjoy a zesty slice of lime or use a lemon to enhance your dish, remember the powerful presence of citric acid!

Synonyms
Citric acid monohydrate
CITRIC ACID, MONOHYDRATE
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, monohydrate
Citric acid bp
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid monohydrate
UNII-2968PHW8QP
Citric acid,hydrous
2968PHW8QP
Citric acid, hydrous
Citric acid monohydrate (USP)
INS NO.330
DTXSID7074668
INS-330
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-, hydrate (1:1)
E-330
CITRIC ACID (II)
CITRIC ACID [II]
Citric acid monohydrate [USP]
Acidum citricum monohydrate
CITRIC ACID (EP MONOGRAPH)
CITRIC ACID [EP MONOGRAPH]
CITRIC ACID, HYDROUS (II)
CITRIC ACID, HYDROUS [II]
1,2,3-PROPANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID, 2 HYDROXY-, MONOHYDRATE
2-HYDROXY-1,2,3-PROPANE-TRICARBOXYLIC ACID, MONOHYDRATE
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE (II)
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [II]
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE (MART.)
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [MART.]
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE (EP IMPURITY)
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [EP IMPURITY]
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE (EP MONOGRAPH)
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [EP MONOGRAPH]
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE (USP MONOGRAPH)
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [USP MONOGRAPH]
B1650
Cygzyme
Soothe Chewable
Surface Wipes
Stop Hair
Alphacide Activator
PURILAB
Citric acid monohydrat
GREEN FRESH
NATURE CLEAN
AQUACETIC-30
CITRACID-50
DTXCID8042634
W.SKIN TREEMON CLEANSING WATER
CITRIC ACID COMPONENT OF IDKIT:HP
CITRIC ACID COMPONENT OF RENACIDIN
Cleaning Solution for Hemodialysis Machines
Desinfectant Solution for Hemodialysis Machine
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid hydrate (1:1)
611-842-9
lot
5949-29-1
Citric acid hydrate
2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid hydrate
MFCD00149972
Citric acid (monohydrate)
2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid;hydrate
CHEBI:31404
Acidum citricum monohydricum
citrate hydrate
citric acid water
water citric acid
Citric Acid Monohydrate; 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid monohydrate
Citric acid (TN)
SBB068612
monohydrate citric acid
CITRATE [VANDF]
citric acid mono-hydrate
CITRATE [II]
CITRIC ACID [VANDF]
SCHEMBL22721
Citric acid hydrate (JP17)
B1650 [LANGUAL]
CHEMBL2107737
HY-N1428A
CITRIC ACID [GREEN BOOK]
CITRIC ACID [ORANGE BOOK]
CITRIC ACID HYDRATE [JAN]
TAUROLOCK COMPONENT CITRATE
Citric acid monohydrate, Ultrapure
CITRIC ACID,HYDROUS [VANDF]
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [MI]
AKOS015918207
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [VANDF]
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [WHO-DD]
CITRIC ACID MONOHYDRATE [WHO-IP]
Citric acid monohydrate, p.a., 99.5%
BS-17269
Citric acid monohydrate, AR, >=99.5%
DB-053400
CS-0016857
CS-0166077
NS00134278
Citric acid monohydrate, BioXtra, >=99.5%
Citric acid monohydrate, LR, 99.5-100.5%
D01222
D85167
Citric acid monohydrate, ACS reagent, >=99.0%
EN300-1724991
ACIDUM CITRICUM MONOHYDRATE [WHO-IP LATIN]
Citric Acid, Monohydrate, Crystal, Reagent, ACS
Citric acid monohydrate, JIS special grade, >=99.5%
Citric acid monohydrate, SAJ first grade, >=99.5%
Q27114303
Citric acid monohydrate, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, >=98%
Citric acid monohydrate, reagent grade, >=98% (GC/titration)
Citric acid monohydrate, >=99.5%, suitable for amino acid analysis
2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid Hydrate (Tofacitinib Impurity
Citric acid monohydrate, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Citric acid monohydrate, p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., 99.5-100.5%
Citric acid monohydrate, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., buffer substance, 99.5-102%
Citric acid monohydrate, puriss., meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, USP, E330, 99.5-100.5% (based on anhydrous substance), grit