Product Name | Citric Acid |
CAS No. | 77-92-9 (Anhydrous) / 5949-29-1 (Monohydrate) |
Molecular Formula | C₆H₈O₇ (Anhydrous) / C₆H₈O₇·H₂O (Monohydrate) |
Molecular Weight | 192.12 (Anhydrous) / 210.14 (Monohydrate) |
EINECS No. | 201-069-1 |
Appearance | White crystalline powder, colorless crystals or granules |
Main Types | Anhydrous: No crystal water, white powder, highly hygroscopic. Suitable for moisture-sensitive applications (dry powder beverages, solid pharmaceuticals). Monohydrate: One crystal water, colorless crystals or white powder, slightly efflorescent in dry air. Most common grade for food, beverages, detergents. Food Grade: Complies with GB 1886.235, FCC, E330; purity ≥99.5%; strict heavy metal limits. Pharmaceutical Grade: Complies with USP, BP, EP; used as excipient, anticoagulant, effervescent agent. Industrial Grade: Purity ≥99.0%; used in detergents, water treatment, chemical synthesis. |
Key Parameters | Assay (anhydrous basis) : Food/Pharma 99.5%-100.5%; Industrial ≥99.0% Moisture: Anhydrous ≤0.5%-1.0%; Monohydrate 7.5%-9.0% Sulfates: ≤0.02% Oxalates: ≤0.01% Heavy Metals (as Pb) : Food ≤5 mg/kg; Industrial ≤10 mg/kg Arsenic: ≤1 mg/kg Chlorides: ≤0.005% Iron: ≤5 mg/kg Calcium Salts: ≤0.02% Readily Carbonizable Substances: Passes test Sulfated Ash: ≤0.05% |
Physical Properties | Colorless translucent crystals or white crystalline powder, odorless, strongly sour taste; density 1.542 g/cm³; melting point 153-159°C (anhydrous decomposes); soluble in water (approx. 59g/100mL at 20°C), solution acidic; soluble in ethanol and diethyl ether; monohydrate efflorescent in dry air; anhydrous highly hygroscopic. |
Features | Naturally occurring in citrus fruits, high safety profile; pure, refreshing sour taste; strong chelating ability with metal ions; excellent pH buffering capacity; biodegradable, environmentally friendly. |
Main Applications | Food & Beverage: Acidity regulator, flavoring agent, chelating agent, antioxidant, preservative, coagulant, buffer. Used in soft drinks, juices, jams, candies, wine, dairy, edible oils, frozen foods, baking. Pharmaceuticals: Effervescent agent (vitamin C tablets, cold medicine); anticoagulant (blood collection tubes, dialysis fluid); syrup pH regulator; oral rehydration salts; pharmaceutical excipient. Detergent Industry: Phosphate substitute as chelator and builder for laundry powder, liquid detergents, dishwashing liquids, toilet cleaners; removes rust, scale, urine stains. Cosmetics: pH regulator, antioxidant (stabilizes vitamin C) in creams, serums, shampoos. Water Treatment: Chelator (water softening), scale inhibitor, pH regulator; used with coagulants. Chemical Industry: Raw material for citrates (sodium citrate, potassium citrate, etc.); plasticizer esters; metal cleaning agents; non-phosphate detergent builders; concrete retarder; textile assistants; boiler descaler. Others: Agriculture (carbon source for fermentation), laboratory buffer solutions, electronics cleaning. |
Packaging | 25kg woven bags (PE liner), 25kg paper bags, 25kg fiber drums; jumbo bags (1000kg) and small packages (1kg, 5kg, 10kg) available upon request. Food-grade packaging meets food safety standards; pharmaceutical grade uses foil bags or pharma-grade containers. |
Storage Conditions | Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight; keep sealed, protect from moisture (anhydrous especially); keep away from alkalis, oxidants, metal powders. |
Shipping Requirements | Non-hazardous cargo; protect from moisture, sunlight, and rain; handle with care; avoid mixing with toxic, corrosive materials. |
Quality Standards | Food Grade: GB 1886.235-2016, FCC, E330; Pharma Grade: USP, BP, EP; Industrial Grade: GB/T 8269-2020. ISO, Kosher, Halal certifications available. |
Minimum Order Quantity | Standard 20-25 tons (1×20'FCL); trial order 5-10 tons negotiable. |
Delivery Time | Standard products: 7-15 working days; Pharma/Custom: 15-25 working days. |
Payment Terms | T/T (30% deposit, 70% against B/L copy), L/C at sight; FOB/CFR/CIF supported. |
HS Code | 29181400 (Citric acid - both anhydrous and monohydrate fall under this code) |