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Citric Acid, Citric Acid Anhydrate, Citric Acid Anhydrous, Citric Acid Monohydrate, 77-92-9, E330, 5949-29-1

Citric Acid, Citric Acid Anhydrate, Citric Acid Anhydrous, Citric Acid Monohydrate, 77-92-9, E330, 5949-29-1

CITRIC ACID (ANHYDROUS & MONOHYDRATE, E330)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

  • Chemical Name: Citric Acid, 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid

  • Synonyms: Anhydrous Citric Acid, Citrate, 2-Hydroxytricarballylic Acid, 3-Carboxy-3-hydroxypentane-1,5-dioic acid, β-Hydroxytricarballylic Acid

  • CAS Numbers:

    • Anhydrous: 77-92-9

    • Monohydrate: 5949-29-1

  • EC Number (EINECS): 201-069-1

  • Molecular Formulas:

    • Anhydrous: C₆H₈O₇

    • Monohydrate: C₆H₈O₇·H₂O

  • Molecular Weights:

    • Anhydrous: 192.12 g/mol

    • Monohydrate: 210.14 g/mol

  • E Number: E330 (food additive)

  • Chemical Class: Organic tricarboxylic acid (weak acid)

  • HS Code: 2918.14

  • UN Number: Not regulated (non-hazardous for transport)

2. Physical Properties

2.1 General Physical Properties (Anhydrous)

Property Value
Appearance White, odorless, crystalline powder or colorless crystals
Physical state (20°C) Solid (crystalline)
Odor Odorless
Taste Sour, acidic (characteristic citrus taste)
Density (20°C) 1.665 g/cm³
Bulk density (typical) 0.8–0.9 g/cm³
Melting point 153–159°C (decomposes)
Boiling point Decomposes (≈310°C)
Flash point Not flammable (non-combustible)
Vapor pressure Negligible
Refractive index (nD20) 1.493–1.509
Particle size Variable (10–100 μm typical for fine powder)

2.2 General Physical Properties (Monohydrate)

Property Value
Appearance White, odorless, crystalline powder or colorless crystals
Physical state (20°C) Solid (crystalline)
Odor Odorless
Taste Sour, acidic
Density (20°C) 1.542 g/cm³
Bulk density (typical) 0.8–0.9 g/cm³
Melting point 100°C (loses water of crystallization)
Decomposition temperature ≈135–152°C (anhydrous form)
Flash point Not flammable
Vapor pressure Negligible
Hygroscopicity Slightly hygroscopic (less than anhydrous in normal conditions)

2.3 Thermal Properties (Both Forms)

Parameter Anhydrous Monohydrate
Loss on drying (105°C, 1 hour) ≤ 0.5% 7.5–9.0% (water of crystallization)
Dehydration temperature N/A ≈100°C
Specific heat capacity (20°C) 1.23–1.26 J/(g·K) Similar
Heat of combustion -1,960 kJ/mol -1,960 kJ/mol (calculated on anhydrous basis)

2.4 Particle Size Specifications (Typical)

Sieve Anhydrous Monohydrate
> 500 μm ≤ 5% ≤ 5%
< 63 μm ≤ 10% ≤ 10%

3. Solubility

3.1 Solubility in Water (Anhydrous)

Temperature (°C) Solubility (g/100 mL water)
0°C 59.2
10°C 64.3
20°C 70.0
30°C 75.0
40°C 80.0
50°C 85.0
60°C 90.0
70°C 95.0
80°C 100.0

3.2 Solubility in Other Solvents (20°C)

Solvent Solubility (g/100 mL)
Ethanol (96%) 56.0
Methanol 120.0 (very soluble)
Acetone 50.0
Diethyl ether 2.2 (sparingly soluble)
Ethyl acetate 30.0
Glycerol 60.0
Isopropanol 50.0

3.3 Aqueous Solution Properties

Parameter Value
pH (0.1% solution, 20°C) 2.5–2.8
pH (1% solution, 20°C) 2.1–2.3
pH (5% solution, 20°C) 1.8–2.0
pH (10% solution, 20°C) 1.6–1.8
Heat of solution (in water) Endothermic (cools water)

4. Chemical Properties

4.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: HOOC–CH₂–C(OH)(COOH)–CH₂–COOH

  • Tricarboxylic acid (three carboxyl groups – COOH)

  • One tertiary hydroxyl group (–OH)

  • Weak organic acid (tribasic)

  • Chiral center (optically active; commercial product is racemic mixture)

4.2 Acid Dissociation Constants (pKa, 25°C)

Dissociation Step pKa Equation
First dissociation 3.13 H₃C₆H₅O₇ ⇌ H₂C₆H₅O₇⁻ + H⁺
Second dissociation 4.76 H₂C₆H₅O₇⁻ ⇌ HC₆H₅O₇²⁻ + H⁺
Third dissociation 6.39 HC₆H₅O₇²⁻ ⇌ C₆H₅O₇³⁻ + H⁺

4.3 Chelation Properties

Citric acid is an excellent chelating agent (sequestrant), forming stable complexes with metal ions:

Metal Ion Complex Stability Application
Ca²⁺ (Calcium) High (water softening) Scale prevention, detergents
Mg²⁺ (Magnesium) Moderate Water softening
Fe³⁺ (Iron) Very high Rust removal, antioxidant synergist
Cu²⁺ (Copper) High Metal cleaning
Al³⁺ (Aluminum) High Metal cleaning
Pb²⁺ (Lead) Moderate Heavy metal sequestration

4.4 Chemical Reactivity

Reaction Description
Neutralization with bases Forms citrate salts (sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, etc.)
Esterification With alcohols → citrate esters (plasticizers, emulsifiers)
Decarboxylation Heating >175°C → aconitic acid, itaconic acid
Oxidation With strong oxidizers → CO₂ + H₂O
Chelation Forms stable complexes with multivalent metal ions

4.5 Thermal Decomposition

Temperature Products
100°C (monohydrate) Loss of water → anhydrous citric acid
153–159°C Melting (anhydrous)
175–310°C Decomposition → aconitic acid, itaconic acid, CO₂, H₂O, acetone
>310°C Complete decomposition → CO₂ + H₂O

4.6 Incompatibilities

  • Strong oxidizing agents (nitrates, permanganates, peroxides, chromates)

  • Strong bases (neutralization – exothermic)

  • Metal nitrates (potential for explosive mixtures)

  • Alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates (CO₂ evolution)

5. Quality Specifications (Food / Pharmaceutical Grade)

5.1 Anhydrous Citric Acid (Ph. Eur., BP, USP, FCC)

Parameter Specification Test Method
Assay (anhydrous basis) 99.5–100.5% Titration (NaOH)
Identification Passes tests Chemical / IR
Appearance of solution Clear and colorless Visual
Clarity of solution Clear (≤ 5 NTU) Nephelometry
Color of solution ≤ 20 APHA Visual
Water content (K. Fischer) ≤ 0.5–1.0% Karl Fischer
Readily carbonizable substances Passes test Color comparison
Sulfated ash ≤ 0.05% Ignition (800°C)
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 50 ppm Turbidimetric
Sulfates (SO₄) ≤ 150 ppm Turbidimetric
Oxalates (C₂O₄) ≤ 100 ppm Colorimetric
Calcium (Ca) ≤ 200 ppm Atomic absorption
Iron (Fe) ≤ 50 ppm Colorimetric
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm Colorimetric
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1 ppm Atomic absorption
Lead (Pb) ≤ 1 ppm Atomic absorption
Mercury (Hg) ≤ 1 ppm Atomic absorption
Aluminum (Al) ≤ 0.2 ppm (pharma) Atomic absorption
Bacterial endotoxins ≤ 5 IU/g (pharma) LAL test

5.2 Monohydrate Citric Acid (Ph. Eur., BP, USP, FCC)

Parameter Specification
Assay (anhydrous basis) 99.5–100.5%
Water content (K. Fischer) 7.5–9.0% (theoretical: 8.57%)
All other tests Same as anhydrous

6. Production Methods

6.1 Fermentation Process (Industrial Standard – >90% of production)

Microorganism: Aspergillus niger (mold)

Substrate: Carbohydrate sources (corn syrup, molasses, beet molasses, cane molasses, starch hydrolysate)

Process:

  1. Substrate is sterilized and inoculated with Aspergillus niger spores

  2. Fermentation at 28–32°C for 5–14 days

  3. pH maintained at 3–4 (optimizes citric acid production, inhibits other acids)

  4. Citric acid precipitates as calcium citrate

  5. Calcium citrate treated with sulfuric acid → citric acid + calcium sulfate (gypsum)

  6. Purification → crystallization → drying

Typical yield: 70–90% (based on sugar consumed)

6.2 Extraction from Citrus Fruits (Minor – less than 5% of production)

  • Lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit juices contain 5–8% citric acid

  • Extraction via lime precipitation → sulfuric acid treatment

6.3 Anhydrous vs. Monohydrate Crystallization

Condition Product
Crystallization below 36.5°C Monohydrate (C₆H₈O₇·H₂O)
Crystallization above 36.5°C Anhydrous (C₆H₈O₇)

7. Mechanism of Action

7.1 Acidity Regulation (pH Control)

  • Donates H⁺ ions in solution → lowers pH

  • Weak acid (pKa 3.13) provides buffer capacity in acidic range (pH 2.5–5.5)

7.2 Chelation (Sequestration)

Citric acid binds metal ions via its three carboxyl groups and one hydroxyl group:

Ca²⁺ + C₆H₅O₇³⁻ → [Ca(C₆H₅O₇)]⁻ (soluble complex)

Effect: Prevents metal ion precipitation, scale formation, and metal-catalyzed oxidation.

7.3 Antioxidant Synergist

  • Chelates metal ions (Fe, Cu) that catalyze oxidation reactions

  • Enhances effectiveness of primary antioxidants (e.g., BHA, BHT, tocopherols)

8. Industrial Applications

8.1 Food and Beverage Industry (Largest Application – ~50% of consumption)

Application Function Typical Concentration
Soft drinks (cola, lemonade, fruit drinks) Acidulant, flavor enhancer, pH adjuster 0.1–0.5%
Jams, jellies, fruit preserves pH adjuster (pectin setting), antioxidant 0.1–1.0%
Canned fruits and vegetables pH adjuster (prevents browning), chelator 0.1–0.5%
Confectionery (candies, gums) Acidulant, flavor enhancer 0.5–2.0%
Wine and juice Acidulant, pH adjuster, stabilizer 0.1–0.5%
Dairy products (cheese, ice cream) Emulsifier, pH adjuster 0.1–0.5%
Meat products (processed meats) Antioxidant synergist, color stabilizer 0.1–0.5%
Oil and fats Antioxidant synergist 0.01–0.1%
Baking powders Acid component (with bicarbonate) 10–30% of baking powder

Food additive status: E330 – GRAS (FDA), permitted worldwide

8.2 Pharmaceutical Applications

Application Function Typical Concentration
Effervescent tablets (vitamins, analgesics) Acid component (reacts with bicarbonate → CO₂) 10–50%
Syrups and liquids pH adjuster, flavor enhancer 0.1–2%
Anticoagulant (blood collection tubes) Chelates calcium (prevents clotting) 0.01–0.1 M
Tablet excipient (granulation aid) Binder, disintegrant 1–10%
Iron supplements Antioxidant, stabilizer 0.1–1.0%
Antacid formulations pH adjuster 0.5–5%

8.3 Cosmetics and Personal Care

Application Function Typical Concentration
Skin care (exfoliants, peels) Exfoliant, pH adjuster (AHAs) 5–30% (peels); 0.5–2% (daily products)
Shampoos and conditioners pH adjuster, chelator 0.1–1.0%
Soaps (liquid and bar) Chelator (prevents soap scum), pH adjuster 0.1–1.0%
Hair dyes and bleaches pH adjuster 1–5%
Bath bombs Acid component (with bicarbonate) 10–30%
Hand sanitizers pH adjuster, mild preservative booster 0.1–1.0%

8.4 Industrial Cleaning and Detergents

Application Function Typical Concentration
Descaling agents (coffee makers, kettles, dishwashers) Dissolves calcium carbonate scale 5–20%
Laundry detergents Chelator, water softener, builder 1–10%
Dishwashing detergents Chelator, water softener, glass protectant 1–5%
Metal cleaners (rust removal) Chelates Fe³⁺ → soluble complex 5–15%
Concrete cleaners Dissolves efflorescence (calcium salts) 5–20%
Dairy and brewery cleaning (CIP) Chelator, scale remover 0.5–2%

8.5 Water Treatment

Application Function Typical Dosage
Boiler water treatment Chelator (prevents scale) 1–50 mg/L
Cooling water treatment Scale inhibitor, corrosion control 1–20 mg/L
Heavy metal removal Chelation → soluble complexes Variable

8.6 Chemical Industry

Application Product
Citrate salts production Sodium citrate, potassium citrate, calcium citrate, ferric citrate, etc.
Citrate esters (plasticizers) Tributyl citrate (TBC), triethyl citrate (TEC), acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC)
Biodegradable polymers Polycitrate polymers
Fine chemicals synthesis Intermediate for organic synthesis

8.7 Agriculture

Application Function
Fertilizer chelator Chelates micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) for plant uptake
Soil pH amendment Lowers soil pH (for acid-loving plants)

9. Toxicology and Safety

9.1 Acute Toxicity

Parameter Value Classification
Oral LD₅₀ (rat) 3,000–5,400 mg/kg (low toxicity) Not classified
Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) >2,000 mg/kg Not classified
Inhalation LC₅₀ Not determined (dust may be irritating) Not classified
Skin irritation Mild irritant (concentrated solutions) Not classified
Eye irritation Moderate to severe irritant (concentrated solutions) Eye Irrit. 2
Skin sensitization Non-sensitizer Not classified

9.2 GHS Classification (Concentrated solid/dust)

Classification Category
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements H319 – Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary statements P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313

9.3 NFPA Rating

Health Flammability Reactivity
1 0 0

9.4 Occupational Exposure Limits

Authority Limit Type
OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable) TWA (8 hour)
ACGIH TLV Not established

10. Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Hazards:

    • Low acute toxicity

    • Dust may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation

    • Slightly combustible (dust explosion possible at high concentrations)

    • Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture – monohydrate less so)

  • PPE (recommended – industrial handling):

    • Safety glasses (EN 166) or chemical goggles – mandatory

    • Dust mask (FFP2/N95) – for dusty operations

    • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile – for concentrated solutions)

    • Protective clothing (dust protection)

  • Engineering controls:

    • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for dust control

    • Eyewash stations

  • First aid:

    • Eye contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek medical attention if irritation persists

    • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water

    • Inhalation: Move to fresh air

    • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water (low toxicity)

11. Environmental Fate

Parameter Value
Biodegradability Readily biodegradable (OECD 301) – 90–100% in 28 days
Aquatic toxicity (fish, LC₅₀, 96 hours) 1,000–3,000 mg/L (low toxicity)
Daphnia magna (EC₅₀, 48 hours) 500–2,000 mg/L
Algal toxicity (EC₅₀, 72 hours) 100–500 mg/L
Bioaccumulation Very low (log P = -1.64)
Mobility in soil High (high water solubility)
WGK Germany 1 (low hazard to water)
Disposal method Incineration or landfill (non-hazardous waste)

12. Storage and Shelf Life

12.1 Storage Conditions

Parameter Requirement
Storage temperature 5–30°C (room temperature)
Container Keep tightly closed in original container (HDPE, PP, paper bags with liner)
Protect from Moisture (hygroscopic – anhydrous more than monohydrate), strong oxidizing agents
Environment Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Incompatibles Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, alkali metal carbonates/bicarbonates (CO₂ evolution)

12.2 Shelf Life

Parameter Anhydrous Monohydrate
Shelf life (proper storage) 24–36 months 24–36 months
Degradation indicators Caking (moisture absorption), discoloration (yellowing) Efflorescence (loss of water of crystallization – white powder on surface)

13. Transport Information

Regulation Classification
UN Number Not regulated (non-hazardous)
ADR/RID Not classified as dangerous goods
IMDG Not regulated
IATA Not regulated
Proper shipping name Citric acid (non-hazardous)

14. Synonyms and Common Names

  • English: Citric Acid, Anhydrous Citric Acid, Citric Acid Monohydrate, 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, β-Hydroxytricarballylic Acid, 3-Carboxy-3-hydroxypentane-1,5-dioic acid

  • Trade names: Citric Acid (anhydrous), Citric Acid Monohydrate (crystallized), 99% Citric Acid

  • Other languages:

    • Turkish: Sitrik Asit, Sitrik Asit Anhidrat, Sitrik Asit Monohidrat

    • French: Acide citrique

    • German: Citronensäure

    • Spanish: Ácido cítrico

15. Regulatory Status

Regulation Status
REACH (EU) Registered (EC 201-069-1)
TSCA (US) Listed
FDA GRAS – food additive (E330) – 21 CFR § 184.1033
EFSA Permitted as food additive (E330)
USP / Ph. Eur. / BP / FCC Monographed for pharmaceutical and food use
EPA Not restricted

16. Why Choose Citric Acid?

Advantage Description
Natural origin Produced via fermentation from renewable carbohydrate sources (corn, molasses)
Non-toxic and safe GRAS status; widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products
Biodegradable Readily biodegradable – environmentally friendly
Excellent chelating agent Forms stable complexes with Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺ – effective water softener, scale remover
Versatile acidulant Provides sour taste, pH control, buffering capacity
Antioxidant synergist Chelates metal ions that catalyze oxidation – extends shelf life of fats and oils
Easily soluble High water solubility (70 g/100 mL at 20°C)
Two forms available Anhydrous (faster dissolution) and monohydrate (larger crystals, less caking)
Pharmaceutical applications Effervescent tablets, anticoagulant, excipient
Cleaning applications Excellent descaling agent (removes calcium carbonate scale)

Limitations:

  • Hygroscopic (anhydrous more than monohydrate) – absorbs moisture; requires airtight storage

  • Decomposes at high temperatures (>175°C) – limited thermal stability

  • May cause eye irritation (concentrated dust/solutions) – requires PPE (goggles)

  • Slightly corrosive to metals in concentrated solutions (due to acidity)

17. Comparison: Anhydrous vs. Monohydrate Citric Acid

Property Anhydrous (C₆H₈O₇) Monohydrate (C₆H₈O₇·H₂O)
CAS Number 77-92-9 5949-29-1
Molecular weight 192.12 g/mol 210.14 g/mol
Water content ≤ 0.5% 7.5–9.0% (8.57% theoretical)
Crystallization temperature >36.5°C <36.5°C
Density (20°C) 1.665 g/cm³ 1.542 g/cm³
Melting point 153–159°C 100°C (loses water)
Hygroscopicity Higher Lower (more stable in humid air)
Caking tendency Higher Lower
Dissolution rate Faster Slightly slower
Typical applications Pharmaceuticals, effervescent tablets, chemical synthesis Food, beverages, detergents, general purpose
Cost Slightly higher (less water weight) Slightly lower (contains water weight)

18. Citrate Salts Derived from Citric Acid

Salt Formula Primary Application
Sodium citrate (trisodium citrate) Na₃C₆H₅O₇ Buffer, emulsifier, anticoagulant
Potassium citrate K₃C₆H₅O₇ Urine alkalinizer, buffer
Calcium citrate Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂ Calcium supplement
Ferric citrate FeC₆H₅O₇ Iron supplement, nutrient
Zinc citrate Zn₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂ Zinc supplement
Magnesium citrate Mg₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂ Magnesium supplement, laxative
Triethyl citrate (TEC) (C₂H₅)₃C₆H₅O₇ Plasticizer
Tributyl citrate (TBC) (C₄H₉)₃C₆H₅O₇ Plasticizer
Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) Acetyl-(C₄H₉)₃C₆H₅O₇ Plasticizer (non-phthalate)

19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between citric acid anhydrous and monohydrate?
A1: Anhydrous citric acid contains no water of crystallization; monohydrate contains one water molecule (8.57% water). Monohydrate is more stable in humid conditions (less caking), while anhydrous dissolves faster and has higher concentration per weight.

Q2: Is citric acid safe to eat?
A2: Yes, food-grade citric acid (E330) is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by FDA and EFSA. It is naturally present in citrus fruits and used as a food additive in countless products.

Q3: Is citric acid vegan?
A3: Yes, commercially produced citric acid is made via fermentation of carbohydrates by Aspergillus niger (fungus). It is vegan and vegetarian friendly.

Q4: Can citric acid remove rust?
A4: Yes, citric acid chelates Fe³⁺ ions, forming soluble iron citrate complexes. It is effective for removing rust from metal surfaces (5–15% solution recommended).

Q5: Why does citric acid clean coffee makers?
A5: Citric acid dissolves calcium carbonate scale (limescale) that accumulates in coffee makers: CaCO₃ + H₃C₆H₅O₇ → CaC₆H₅O₇⁻ + H₂O + CO₂↑. The soluble calcium citrate complex is then rinsed away.

Q6: Is citric acid the same as vitamin C (ascorbic acid)?
A6: No. Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇) is a different compound from ascorbic acid (C₆H₈O₆, vitamin C). Both are organic acids, but they have different chemical structures and biological functions.

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

Parameter Anhydrous Monohydrate
CAS Number 77-92-9 5949-29-1
Molecular Formula C₆H₈O₇ C₆H₈O₇·H₂O
Molecular Weight 192.12 g/mol 210.14 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder White crystalline powder
Density (20°C) 1.665 g/cm³ 1.542 g/cm³
Melting Point 153–159°C 100°C (dehydrates)
pH (1% solution) 2.1–2.3 2.1–2.3
Water Solubility (20°C) 70 g/100 mL 70 g/100 mL (anhydrous basis)
Water Content ≤ 0.5% 7.5–9.0%
Assay (anhydrous basis) 99.5–100.5% 99.5–100.5%
E Number E330 E330
Primary Applications Pharmaceuticals, effervescent tablets, chemical synthesis Food, beverages, detergents, cleaning, water treatment
GHS Signal Word Warning Warning
Hazard Statements H319 (Causes serious eye irritation) H319
Biodegradability Readily biodegradable Readily biodegradable
Shelf Life 24–36 months 24–36 months

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for food technologists, pharmaceutical scientists, cosmetic formulators, chemical engineers, cleaning product manufacturers, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.

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