Citric Acid
C₆H₈O₇ | CAS: 77-92-9 | HS: 29181400
Product Description
Citric Acid is the world's most widely consumed organic acid in food and beverage applications — a natural triprotic acid used as an acidulant, flavour enhancer, pH buffer, chelating agent, and antioxidant preservative across virtually every food and drink category. As a chelating agent it sequesters metal ions that catalyse oxidative rancidity and colour degradation, extending product shelf life. In pharmaceuticals it is essential in effervescent tablet systems (reacting with carbonates to generate CO₂) and as a pH buffer for IV solutions. MITCHEM exports monohydrate and anhydrous food grades with full E330 regulatory documentation.
Applications by Industry
The dominant acidulant in carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, jams, confectionery, and processed food — provides natural-tasting tartness and buffers pH for flavour stability and microbial safety.
Reacts with sodium bicarbonate/carbonate in effervescent tablet, sachet, and granule systems to generate CO₂ for tablet dissolution, providing a pleasant drinking experience.
Sequesters metal ions (Fe, Ca, Mg) in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation, rancidity, and colour degradation; also used for pH adjustment in creams and shampoos.
Used as a safer, biodegradable descaling agent for boilers, heat exchangers, and process equipment — dissolves calcium carbonate scale with lower corrosivity than mineral acids.