Citric acid

Citric acid Synonyms: 1,2,3-Tricarboxy-2-hydroxypropane;2-hydroxypropanetricarboxylicacid;acidecitrique;Aciletten;Anhydrous citric acid;anhydrouscitricacid;beta-Hydroxytricarballylic acid;beta-hydroxytricarballylicacid

CAS: 77-92-9

MF: C6H8O7

MW: 192.12

EINECS: 201-069-1

Chemical Properties White crystalline powder

Usage Citric acid is a weak organic acid that is known as a commodity chemical, as more than a million tonnes are produced every year by mycological fermentation on an industrial scale using crude sugar sol utions, such as molasses and strains of Aspergillus niger. Citric acid is widely distributed in plants and in animal tissues and fluids and exist in greater than grace amounts in variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably in citrus fruits such as lemon and limes. Citric acid is mainly used as an acidifier, flavoring agent and chelating agent.

General Description Colorless, odorless crystals with an acid taste. Denser than water.

Air & Water Reactions The pure material is moisture sensitive (undergoes slow hydrolysis) Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile Citric acid reacts with oxidizing agents, bases, reducing agents and metal nitrates . Reactions with metal nitrates are potentially explosive. Heating to the point of decomposition causes emission of acrid smoke and fumes [Lewis].

Health Hazard Inhalation of dust irritates nose and throat. Contact with eyes causes irritation.

Fire Hazard Behavior in Fire: Melts and decomposes. The reaction is not hazardous.

Biological Activity Commonly used laboratory reagent