Citric Acid Monohydrate

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Citric Acid Monohydrate is a white, crystalline powder or granule form of citric acid containing one molecule of water per molecule of acid. It is a natural organic acid commonly derived from citrus fruits or produced by fermentation processes. Citric Acid Monohydrate is widely used as an acidulant, preservative, and chelating agent in various industries. Compared to the anhydrous form, it has a slightly lower acid concentration due to the water molecule but offers excellent solubility and stability. It is prized for its sour flavor, buffering capacity, and ability to bind metal ions, making it indispensable in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications.

Description

Citric Acid Monohydrate Uses

Primary Uses 

Food & Beverage Industry

  • Used as an acidulant and flavor enhancer in soft drinks, candies, fruit juices, and dairy products.

  • Functions as a preservative by chelating metals and preventing oxidation, thus extending shelf life.

  • Acts as a pH regulator and buffering agent in food processing.

  • Incorporated in effervescent tablets and powders to provide controlled release of carbon dioxide when reacted with bicarbonates.

Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

  • Employed as a pH adjuster in oral syrups, suspensions, and effervescent dosage forms.

  • Serves as a stabilizer for active pharmaceutical ingredients sensitive to alkaline conditions.

  • Used to enhance mineral absorption by chelating metal ions in vitamin and mineral supplements.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Added as a pH adjuster in skincare products, shampoos, and bath additives.

  • Acts as an antioxidant synergist by binding metal ions that can catalyze product degradation.

  • Utilized in mild exfoliating products due to its gentle acidity and natural origin.

Industrial & Cleaning Applications

  • Used as a biodegradable chelating agent and scale remover in detergents and cleaning agents.

  • Applied in metal surface treatment and as a descaling agent for boilers and cooling systems.

  • Functions as a buffering agent in chemical manufacturing processes and laboratory reagents.

 

Secondary Uses 

Agriculture

  • Used in micronutrient fertilizers and foliar sprays to improve metal ion availability to plants.

Water Treatment

  • Employed as a sequestrant to control hardness and prevent precipitation of calcium and magnesium salts.

Textile Industry

  • Utilized in dyeing and finishing to adjust pH and enhance color consistency and brightness.

Food Packaging

Incorporated in active packaging materials for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes
  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid monohydrate

  • Common/Trade Name: Citric Acid Monohydrate

  • CAS Number: 5949-29-1

  • HS Code: 2918.14.00

  • Molecular Formula: C₆H₈O₇·Hâ‚‚O

  • Synonyms: Citric Acid Monohydrate; 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propane-tricarboxylic acid monohydrate

 

  1. Physical & Chemical Properties
  • Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules

  • Color & Odor: White; odorless or faintly acidic odor

  • Melting Point: 100–103°C (dehydrates before melting)

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~59 g/100 mL at 20°C); insoluble in alcohol and ether

  • pH (1% solution): ~2.2 (acidic)

  • Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic (absorbs moisture)

 

  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes
  • Hazard Class (GHS): Generally regarded as 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; GRAS status for food use

  • Reactivity: Stable; reacts with strong bases and oxidizers

 

  1. Storage & Handling Attributes
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from moisture and incompatible materials

  • Container Type: Sealed polyethylene or fiber drums, food-grade bags

  • Shelf Life: Typically 3–5 years if stored properly

  • Special Handling: Minimize dust formation; use PPE such as masks and gloves during handling

 

  1. 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: Follow local regulations; biodegradable

 

  1. Environmental & Health Impact
  • Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; biodegradable and non-toxic at typical use levels

  • Persistence: Readily biodegradable

  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate

  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

  • Biodegradability: Rapidly biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  • Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE: Use dust mask, gloves, and goggles when handling powder

  • Handling: Avoid dust inhalation and prolonged skin contact

  • Storage: Keep containers tightly sealed and protected from moisture

  • Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; no eating or drinking in work areas

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists

  • Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; seek medical care if irritation develops

  • Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation continues

  • Ingestion: Generally safe in small amounts; rinse mouth and drink water; seek medical attention if large quantities ingested

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; may decompose at high temperatures releasing carbon oxides

  • Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide extinguishers

  • Special Precautions: Use protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus if involved in fire

  • Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide