Citric Acid is a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. It is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products due to its acidity, preservative properties, and ability to chelate metal ions.
- Food & Beverage: Used as a flavor enhancer and preservative.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Found in effervescent tablets and medicinal formulations.
- Cleaning Products: Effective as a natural descaler and pH adjuster.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in skincare formulations and shampoos.
- Industrial Applications: Chelating agent in water treatment.
Physical and Chemical Properties:
| Properties |
Data |
| Appearance |
White crystalline powder |
| Odor |
Odorless |
| Molecular Formula |
C6H8O7 |
| Molecular Weight |
192.12 g/mol |
| Melting Point |
153 °C |
| Density |
1.66 g/cm³ |
| Solubility |
Highly soluble in water
|
| pH (5% solution) |
2.2 |
| Chemical Stability |
Stable under normal conditions |