Citric Acid Monohydrate – Properties, Applications, and Safety

Citric Acid Monohydrate is the monohydrated form of citric acid, a naturally occurring weak organic acid widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors. Known for its tart flavor and excellent buffering properties, citric acid is also recognized as a safe and biodegradable acidulant.

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Chemical Profile

• Chemical Name: Citric Acid Monohydrate

• Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇·H₂O

• Molecular Weight: 210.14 g/mol

• CAS Number: 5949-29-1

• Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline solid

• Solubility: Freely soluble in water and ethanol

• pH (1% solution): ~2.2

• Odor: Odorless

• Taste: Strongly acidic, sour

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Key Properties

• Acidulant with high solubility and biodegradability

• Chelating agent capable of binding metal ions

• Buffering capacity for pH adjustment

• Stable under normal storage conditions

• Non-toxic and environmentally friendly

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Major Applications

1. Food & Beverage Industry

• Commonly used as an acidifier, flavor enhancer, and preservative

• Helps maintain product pH in soft drinks, candies, jams, and sauces

• Used in effervescent products in combination with sodium bicarbonate

2. Pharmaceuticals

• Acts as a pH modifier, stabilizer, and effervescence agent in tablets and powders

• Used in oral rehydration salts (ORS) and vitamin C supplements

• Improves bioavailability of certain drugs via chelation

3. Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Included in cleansers, masks, and exfoliants for its mild acidity

• Regulates pH in formulated skin care products

• Serves as a preservative booster

4. Industrial Applications

• Used in water treatment as a chelating and cleaning agent

• Component in detergents and descaling solutions

• Applied in textile dyeing and electroplating to control pH and metal ion activity

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Handling & Storage

• Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area

• Keep container tightly closed to avoid moisture absorption

• Handle with basic PPE (gloves, safety glasses) if in large-scale or powder form

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Safety Information

• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used appropriately

• May cause eye and skin irritation in concentrated powder form

• Inhalation of dust should be avoided—use respiratory protection if needed during bulk handling

First Aid Measures:

• Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes

• Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air

• Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water (non-hazardous in small food-grade quantities)

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Environmental Impact

• Biodegradable and non-toxic to aquatic life in typical usage concentrations

• Minimal ecological risk when used and disposed of properly

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Conclusion

Citric Acid Monohydrate is a versatile, safe, and eco-friendly acidulant that serves critical roles across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors. Its excellent solubility, chelating ability, and regulatory approval make it a preferred choice for a wide range of formulations and processes.

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