Product Introduction
Citric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid abundant in citrus fruits like lemons, is commercially produced via fermentation (e.g., with Aspergillus niger on sugar - based substrates). It typically exists as white crystalline powder or colorless crystals, odorless or faintly fruity - scented, highly water - soluble, and has a strong acidic taste. As a weak organic acid, it reacts with bases to form salts (e.g., sodium citrate) and acts as a chelating agent to bind metal ions, finding use in food, cleaning, and industrial processes.
Product Specification
| Items |
Specification |
| Assay |
99.5-101.0% |
| Water |
7.5-9.0% |
| Sulphate |
150 ppm max |
| Oxalate |
100 ppm max |
| Calcium |
200 ppm max |
| Iron |
50 ppm max |
| Chloride |
50 ppm max |
| Sulphated ash |
0.1% max |
| Heavy metal(as Pb) |
5 ppm max |
| Arsenic (As) |
1 ppm max |
| Bacteria endotoxin |
0.5 IU/mg max |
Packaging & Shipping
Product Application
1. Food and Beverage Industry
- Flavor Enhancer: Citric acid is a common ingredient in the food and beverage sector to provide a tart, acidic flavor. It enhances the taste of soft drinks, juices, candies, and many other processed foods. In carbonated beverages, it contributes to the refreshing, tangy taste that consumers enjoy. For example, in lemon - flavored drinks, citric acid intensifies the natural lemon - like acidity.
- Preservative: It helps in preserving food products by lowering the pH. A lower pH environment inhibits the growth of many spoilage - causing microorganisms like bacteria and molds. In jams, jellies, and canned fruits, citric acid extends the shelf - life while also maintaining the desired flavor profile.
- Acidulant and pH Regulator: In dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, citric acid is used to adjust the pH. This adjustment can influence the texture and flavor of the product. In cheese making, for instance, it can help in the coagulation process and affect the final taste and consistency of the cheese.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
- Excipient in Formulations: Citric acid is used as an excipient (inactive ingredient) in many pharmaceutical products. In oral medications like syrups and effervescent tablets, it can act as a flavoring agent to mask the unpleasant taste of active pharmaceutical ingredients. In effervescent tablets, it reacts with bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide, which causes the tablet to dissolve and fizz, making it easier to consume.
- pH Adjustment in Pharmaceuticals: Similar to its role in food, it helps in adjusting the pH of pharmaceutical formulations to ensure stability and efficacy. Many drugs are sensitive to pH, and citric acid can be used to maintain the optimal pH range for the drug's activity. For example, in some injectable solutions, it is used to control the acidity to prevent irritation at the injection site and to keep the drug stable.
3. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
- pH Adjuster in Skincare: In skincare products like lotions, creams, and facial cleansers, citric acid is used to adjust the pH. The skin has a slightly acidic natural pH, and using citric acid to match this pH can help in maintaining the skin's natural barrier function. It can also enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients in the product. For example, in some anti - aging creams, the acidic environment created by citric acid can help in the penetration of active ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants.
- Chelating Agent in Hair Care: In shampoos and conditioners, citric acid acts as a chelating agent. It binds to metal ions (such as calcium and magnesium) that may be present in water. These metal ions can cause build - up on the hair, making it dull and difficult to manage. By chelating these ions, citric acid helps to keep the hair clean, shiny, and soft.
4. Cleaning and Detergent Industry
- Chelating Agent in Cleaners: In household cleaning products like all - purpose cleaners, dishwashing detergents, and laundry detergents, citric acid functions as a chelating agent. It removes mineral deposits (from hard water) that can accumulate on surfaces and fabrics. In dishwashing detergents, it helps to prevent the formation of water spots on dishes and glasses. In laundry detergents, it can improve the cleaning efficiency by removing metal - based stains and preventing the redeposition of dirt.
- Descaling Agent: Citric acid is an effective descaling agent. It can be used to remove limescale (composed mainly of calcium carbonate) from appliances like coffee makers, kettles, and dishwashers. When citric acid is applied to these limescale deposits, it reacts with the calcium carbonate, breaking it down and making it easy to rinse away.
5. Industrial Applications
- Metal Cleaning and Surface Treatment: In industrial settings, citric acid is used for cleaning metal surfaces. It can remove rust, oxide layers, and other contaminants from metals. Before painting or coating metal parts, citric acid cleaning ensures a clean and smooth surface, which improves the adhesion of the paint or coating.
- Textile Industry: In the textile industry, citric acid is used in dyeing processes. It can act as a pH regulator to control the dyeing conditions, ensuring uniform coloration of the fabric. It can also help in the removal of excess dye and in improving the color fastness of the dyed textiles.
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