Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. It's a weak organic acid with a characteristic sour taste and is widely used in various industries.
Chemical Properties:
- Chemical Formula: C6H8O7
- Molecular Weight: 192.12 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless or white crystalline powder
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and ether
- pH: 2.2 (1% solution)
Uses:
- Food and Beverage: Preservative, flavoring agent, and pH regulator
- Pharmaceuticals: Excipient, buffering agent, and antimicrobial agent
- Cosmetics: pH regulator, antioxidant, and preservative
- Cleaning: Descaling agent, rust remover, and cleaning product
- Industrial: Catalyst, plasticizer, and intermediate in chemical synthesis
Benefits:
- Natural and biodegradable
- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Chelating agent, binding metals
- pH regulator and buffer
- Flavoring and preservative agent