Citric Acid Anhydrous
Citric Acid Anhydrous is a white, crystalline organic acid widely used across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors. It is the anhydrous form of citric acid, meaning it contains no water molecules in its crystal lattice, resulting in higher purity and more concentrated acidic properties compared to its monohydrate form. Derived from natural sources like citrus fruits or produced via microbial fermentation, citric acid anhydrous is valued for its sour taste, excellent chelating ability, and buffering capacity. It serves as a natural preservative, pH adjuster, antioxidant synergist, and cleaning agent, making it a versatile ingredient in many formulations.
Citric Acid Anhydrous Uses
Primary UsesÂ
Food & Beverage Industry
- Used as an acidulant to provide tartness and enhance flavor in beverages, candies, jams, and dairy products.
- Acts as a preservative by chelating metal ions that catalyze oxidative spoilage, extending shelf life.
- Employed as a pH regulator to maintain product stability and consistency.
- Used in effervescent powders and tablets combined with bicarbonates for controlled fizzing.
Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
- Serves as a pH adjuster in oral syrups, tablets, and effervescent formulations.
- Used to stabilize active ingredients sensitive to alkaline conditions.
- Acts as a chelating agent enhancing bioavailability of minerals and vitamins in supplements.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Used to adjust pH in creams, lotions, shampoos, and bath products.
- Functions as an antioxidant synergist by chelating metal ions that degrade product quality.
- Incorporated in exfoliating formulations due to its mild acidity and natural origin.
Industrial & Cleaning Applications
- Used as a biodegradable chelating agent in detergents and cleaners to remove scale and metal deposits.
- Employed in metal surface treatment and descaling processes.
- Acts as a buffering agent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory reagents.
Secondary Uses
Agriculture
- Used in foliar sprays and fertilizers to chelate micronutrients, improving plant nutrient uptake.
Water Treatment
- Serves as a sequestering agent to control hardness and prevent scale buildup in boilers and cooling systems.
Textile Industry
- Applied in dyeing processes to adjust pH and improve color fastness and brightness.
Food Packaging
Incorporated in active packaging materials as an antimicrobial and antioxidant component.
. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid (Anhydrous)
- Common/Trade Name: Citric Acid Anhydrous
- CAS Number: 77-92-9
- HS Code: 2918.14.00
- Molecular Formula: C₆H₈O₇
- Synonyms: Citric Acid, Anhydrous; 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules
- Color & Odor: White; odorless or faintly acidic odor
- Melting Point: 153°C (decomposes)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~59 g/100 mL at 20°C); insoluble in alcohol and ether
- pH (1% solution): ~1.7 (acidic)
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Generally considered safe; irritant in concentrated form
- NFPA Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 0
- Exposure Limits: No established OSHA PEL; avoid inhalation of dust
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in food
- Reactivity: Stable; reacts with strong bases and oxidizers
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible substances
- Container Type: Sealed polyethylene or fiber drums, or food-grade bags
- Shelf Life: Typically 3-5 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use appropriate PPE like masks and gloves when handling powders
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: GRAS for food use (21 CFR §184.1033)
- Food Additive Code (EU): E330
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local regulations; biodegradable
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; biodegradable and non-toxic to aquatic life at typical use concentrations
- Persistence: Readily biodegradable
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Rapidly biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Dust mask, gloves, goggles when handling powders
- Handling: Avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact; minimize dust generation
- Storage: Keep containers tightly closed and dry
- Hygiene: Wash hands after use; no eating or drinking in handling areas
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation or breathing difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical care if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Generally safe in small amounts; rinse mouth and drink water; seek medical advice if large quantities ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; may decompose to emit carbon oxides under intense heat
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚ extinguishers
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if large fire
- Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide