| Formula / Notation | C6H8O7 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 77-92-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 192.12 |
| Melting Point | 307 °F (anhydrous) (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.54 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Citric acid appears as colorless, odorless crystals with an acid taste. Denser than water. (USCG, 1999) |
| Also Known As | 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 77-92-9; Citric acid, anhydrous; Aciletten; Anhydrous citric acid; Citro; Citretten; Citric acid anhydrous; Chemfill; Hydrocerol A |
| Category | Acids |
What is Citric acid?
Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid that is propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 2. It is an important metabolite in the pathway of all aerobic organisms. It has a role as a calcium chelator, an antimicrobial agent, a chelator, a food acidity regulator and a fundamental metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a citrate anion and a citrate(1-).
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Other Names / Synonyms: 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 77-92-9; Citric acid, anhydrous; Aciletten; Anhydrous citric acid; Citro; Citretten; Citric acid anhydrous; Chemfill; Hydrocerol A
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 307 °F (anhydrous) (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 1.54 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 192.12 |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Citric acid appears as colorless, odorless crystals with an acid taste. Denser than water. (USCG, 1999) |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid that is propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid bearing a hydroxy substituent at position 2. It is an important metabolite in the pathway of all aerobic organisms. It has a role as a calcium chelator, an antimicrobial agent, a chelator, a food acidity regulator and a fundamental metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of a citrate anion and a citrate(1-).
Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.
Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Citric acid is: C6H8O7