About Citric Acid ( Tricarboxylic Acid)
Citric acid is an organic compound with the formula HOC(CO2H)(CH2CO2H)2.[10] It is a colorless weak organic acid.[10] It occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms.Highly Purified and StableCitric Acid is manufactured to the highest standards (BP/USP/FCC/E330) with a minimum purity of 99%, ensuring reliability in critical applications. It is stable under normal conditions and provides a consistent performance over its 2-year shelf life.
Versatile ApplicationsThis compound is widely sought after in diverse sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial cleaning, and water treatment. Its ability to act as a preservative, acidity regulator, and flavor enhancer makes it an essential ingredient in many processes.
Safe and Easy to UseCitric Acid is non-poisonous and odorless, enabling safe handling in both food and industrial settings. Its granular or powdered form ensures ease of use, and it should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its optimal condition.
FAQ's of Citric Acid ( Tricarboxylic Acid):
Q: How should Citric Acid be stored to maintain its quality?
A: Citric Acid should be stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture. Proper storage preserves its stability and extends its shelf life to up to 2 years, ensuring continued high performance.
Q: What are the main uses and benefits of Citric Acid in different industries?
A: Citric Acid serves as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring agent in food and beverage products. In pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, it aids in pH adjustment and preservative functions. It is also used in cleaning agents, water treatment, and various industrial processes due to its chelating properties and high solubility.
Q: When should Citric Acid be used during food production processes?
A: Citric Acid is typically added during the formulation or blending stage to adjust acidity, improve flavor, or extend shelf life. Its application point depends on the specific product being manufactured and the desired effect.
Q: Where is Citric Acid most commonly applied outside the food industry?
A: Outside the food industry, Citric Acid is widely applied in pharmaceuticals (for pH control), cosmetics (as a preservative and pH adjuster), cleaning agents (for descaling and chelation), and water treatment (to remove hardness and scale).
Q: What is the process for ensuring Citric Acid's purity and safety?
A: Citric Acid is produced under stringent quality control following BP/USP/FCC/E330 standards. Heavy metals and lead contents are tightly restricted (10 ppm and 0.5 ppm, respectively), and the finished product undergoes analytical testing to confirm its high purity and safety.
Q: How is Citric Acid used as a preservative and acidity regulator?
A: Citric Acid's low pH and strong acid properties (pKa values: 3.13, 4.76, 6.40) effectively inhibit microbial growth and preserve freshness in products. Its neutral taste and water solubility allow easy integration into various formulations as an acidity regulator.