Citric Acid
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Citric Acid

Citric Acid

  1. English Name: Citric Acid
  1. Specification
    • Purity: ≥ 99.5% (HPLC)
    • Solubility: Highly soluble in water (133 g/100 mL at 20°C), soluble in ethanol (≥ 50 g/100 mL)
    • Appearance – related: Loss on drying ≤ 0.5%, Heavy metals ≤ 5 ppm, Residual solvents ≤ 0.2%
    • Melting Point: 153°C
  1. Appearance
    • Colorless transparent crystals or white crystalline powder, odorless, with a strong, acidic taste, not related to chocolate
  1. CAS NO.：77 – 92 – 9
  1. Lead time: 3 – 7 Working Days
  1. Package
    • 25kg/drum (polyethylene bag inside cardboard drum), 1000kg/bag (big bag)
  1. Main Market
    • Global market, with significant demand in North America, Europe, Asia, mainly applied in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and chemical industries
  1. Application Scenarios

Core Properties

  • Chemical Structure: An organic tricarboxylic acid with the molecular formula C₆H₈O₇. It has three carboxyl (-COOH) groups, which endow it with strong acidic properties.
  • Key Features
    • Acidity Regulation: As a weak organic acid, it can effectively adjust the pH value of solutions, providing a stable acidic environment.
    • Chelating Ability: It can form stable complexes with metal ions such as calcium, iron, and copper, preventing metal – catalyzed oxidation and improving product stability.
    • Antimicrobial Effect: Inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in acidic conditions, playing a role in food preservation.
    • Flavor Enhancement: Its sour taste can enhance the flavor of food and beverages, and balance sweetness.

Application Scenarios

1. Food and Beverage Industry

  • Acidulant and Flavor Enhancer
    • Widely used in soft drinks, fruit juices, jams, candies, and dairy products. In carbonated beverages, it provides a refreshing sour taste and helps to balance the sweetness of sugar. For example, in cola – type beverages, the addition of 0.1 – 0.3% citric acid can enhance the overall flavor.
    • In canned fruits and jams, it not only adjusts the acidity but also inhibits the growth of microorganisms, extending the shelf life of products.
  • pH Regulator
    • Used in cheese production to adjust the pH value of milk, promoting the coagulation of casein and the formation of cheese curds.
    • In the production of pickles, it controls the pH of the brine to ensure the normal growth of lactic acid bacteria and the quality of pickles.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Acid – base Regulator in Drug Formulations
    • In the preparation of oral liquids, syrups, and injection solutions, it is used to adjust the pH value to ensure the stability and efficacy of drugs. For example, in some vitamin C injection solutions, citric acid is added to maintain a suitable pH environment.
  • Chelating Agent
    • As a chelating agent, it can complex with metal ions in drugs to prevent drug oxidation and degradation, and improve the stability of drugs.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care

  • pH Adjustment
    • Added to facial cleansers, toners, and creams to adjust the pH value of products to a level suitable for the skin (usually slightly acidic), helping to maintain the normal function of the skin barrier.
  • Antioxidant and Preservative
    • In some skin – care products, its chelating ability can prevent the catalytic oxidation of metal ions in the formula, and at the same time, its acidic environment can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, playing a role in product preservation.

4. Chemical Industry

  • Chelating Agent in Electroplating
    • In the electroplating process, it is used as a chelating agent to complex with metal ions in the plating solution, improving the uniformity and quality of the plating layer.
  • Water Treatment
    • As a water – softening agent, it can chelate with calcium and magnesium ions in water, reducing water hardness and preventing the formation of scale in water – using equipment.

5. Other Industries

  • Feed Industry
    • Added to animal feed as an acidulant and flavor enhancer, which can improve the palatability of feed, promote the digestion and absorption of feed by animals, and at the same time inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in feed.
  • Textile Industry
    • Used in the textile dyeing and finishing process as a pH regulator and chelating agent to improve the dyeing effect and color fastness of fabrics.

Detection Methods

  • High – Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
    • Column: C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), Mobile Phase: 0.1% phosphoric acid solution – methanol (95:5, v/v), Flow Rate: 1.0 mL/min, Detection Wavelength: 210 nm. This method can accurately quantify the content of citric acid in various samples.
  • Titration Method
    • Using a standard sodium hydroxide solution for acid – base titration, with phenolphthalein as an indicator, to determine the content of citric acid. This is a classic and commonly used detection method, especially suitable for simple samples.
  • Ion Chromatography
    • Can simultaneously separate and detect various anions including citrate ions, with high sensitivity and good reproducibility, suitable for the analysis of complex samples containing multiple components.

Source & Advantages

  • Production Methods
    • Mainly produced by fermentation of carbohydrates (such as glucose) using Aspergillus niger. This biological fermentation method has the advantages of high yield, low cost, and environmental friendliness.
  • Versatile Applications
    • Its multiple properties such as acidity, chelating ability, and flavor – enhancing function make it widely used in various industries, meeting the diverse needs of different fields.
  • Stable Supply
    • With mature production technology and a large – scale industrial production model, it can ensure a stable market supply, and the price is relatively stable.
  • Regulatory Approval
    • Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in many countries and regions, and has clear regulations and standards for its use in different industries, which is conducive to its wide application.
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Citric Acid: Nature’s Versatile Organic Powerhouse | Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology

1. What is Citric Acid?

Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇) is a weak, tricarboxylic organic acid naturally occurring in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. It serves as a key intermediate metabolite in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), the primary energy-producing pathway in aerobic organisms. Industrially, it’s one of the most widely used organic acids due to its excellent solubility, pleasant sour taste, chelating properties, and buffering capacity. It exists as a white, crystalline powder and is highly water-soluble.

2. Source, Chemical Properties & Key Identifiers

  • Primary Source: Historically extracted from citrus juice. Modern industrial production (><｜end▁of▁thinking｜> of global supply) utilizes submerged fermentation of carbohydrate sources (e.g., molasses, corn starch hydrolysates) by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger.

  • Chemical Properties:

    • Molecular Formula: C₆H₈O₇

    • Appearance: Colorless crystals or white crystalline powder.

    • Odor: Odorless.

    • Taste: Strongly acidic, pleasant sour taste.

    • Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and diethyl ether.

    • pKa Values: pKa₁ = 3.13, pKa₂ = 4.76, pKa₃ = 6.40 (at 25°C). This makes it an effective buffer over a range relevant to foods and biological systems.

    • Chelation: Forms stable complexes (chelates) with metal ions (e.g., Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺), crucial for its role in cleaning agents, food preservation, and preventing oxidation.

  • Key Identifiers:

    • CAS Registry Number: 77-92-9 (Anhydrous) | 5949-29-1 (Monohydrate)

    • Molecular Formula (MF): C₆H₈O₇

    • Molecular Weight (MW): 192.124 g/mol (Anhydrous) | 210.14 g/mol (Monohydrate)

    • EINECS Number: 201-069-1

3. Benefits, Safety, & Considerations

  • “Best” Citric Acid: The “best” depends on application. Food/pharma grades require high purity (USP/BP/EP/FCC). Cosmetic grades need specific purity and microbial control. Shaanxi Zhonghong guarantees >99.5% purity, exceeding typical industry standards (often ~99%), ensuring superior performance and safety.

  • Skin Benefits:

    • Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA): Functions as a mild AHA, promoting gentle exfoliation by breaking down desmosomes between corneocytes.

    • pH Adjustment: Critical for formulating within the skin’s optimal acidic mantle (pH 4.5-5.5), enhancing barrier function.

    • Antioxidant & Chelation: Mitigates oxidative stress from free radicals and metal ions (e.g., Fe²⁺ involved in Fenton reactions).

    • Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase activity and reduces melanin transfer, aiding in hyperpigmentation management. Enhances penetration of other active ingredients.

  • Health Benefits & Dietary Intake:

    • Energy Metabolism: Central to the mitochondrial Krebs cycle (ATP production).

    • Mineral Absorption: Chelates minerals, potentially enhancing bioavailability (e.g., some forms of calcium citrate).

    • Urinary Health: Alkalinizes urine, potentially preventing certain types of kidney stones (uric acid, cystine stones).

    • Antioxidant Properties: Contributes to cellular antioxidant defenses.

    • Daily Intake: Citric acid is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved globally (EFSA, JECFA). No established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) exists because it’s a normal body metabolite. Intake is limited by palatability and gastrointestinal tolerance. Typical consumption is via foods and beverages.

  • Potential Side Effects & Precautions:

    • Dental Erosion: Highly acidic foods/drinks containing citric acid can erode tooth enamel with frequent exposure.

    • GI Irritation: High concentrations may cause heartburn or stomach upset in sensitive individuals.

    • Skin Irritation: Undiluted citric acid powder or high-concentration solutions can cause irritation, stinging, or chemical burns. Cosmetic formulations are carefully pH-balanced.

    • Eye Contact: Severe irritant. Requires immediate flushing.

    • Chelation: Can bind essential minerals; significant dietary imbalance is unlikely but possible with excessive supplementation.

    • Drug Interactions: May affect absorption of certain medications (e.g., aluminum-containing antacids, some antibiotics). Consult a healthcare provider.

4. Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology: Your Trusted Citric Acid Partner

Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. stands as a premier high-tech enterprise integrating agile R&D, collaborative innovation, integrated manufacturing, and global marketing. We specialize in serving the chemical, material, and life science sectors, with deep expertise in the extraction, separation, purification, and market application of bioactive plant constituents.

  • Core Competencies:

    • Scientific Prowess: Strategic alliances with 5 leading universities underpin our 20+ patented technologies and unique global compound library.

    • Manufacturing Excellence: Employing cutting-edge analytical instrumentation including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Superconducting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers. Our stringent quality control ensures citric acid purity exceeding industry benchmarks by >20%.

    • Global Reach: An extensive distribution network serving 80+ countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. We provide bespoke ingredient solutions to multinational pharmaceutical corporations, research institutions, and leading manufacturers.

    • Proven Expertise: Leveraging 28 years of dedicated experience in the bioactive compounds industry.

5. Product Specifications: Rigorous Quality Assurance

Shaanxi Zhonghigh’s Citric Acid meets or exceeds major pharmacopoeial standards (USP/BP/EP) and FCC requirements for food grade. Our commitment to purity and safety is demonstrated through comprehensive testing:

Contaminant Category Parameter Specification Test Method
Pesticide Residues Chlorpyrifos ≤ 0.01 mg/kg GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS
Dichlorvos ≤ 0.01 mg/kg GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS
Cypermethrin ≤ 0.01 mg/kg GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS
DDT (Total Isomers) ≤ 0.05 mg/kg GC-ECD, GC-MS/MS
Hexachlorobenzene ≤ 0.01 mg/kg GC-MS/MS
Heavy Metals Lead (Pb) ≤ 1.0 mg/kg ICP-MS, AAS (Graphite Furnace)
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1.0 mg/kg ICP-MS, HG-AAS
Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 0.5 mg/kg ICP-MS, AAS (Graphite Furnace)
Mercury (Hg) ≤ 0.1 mg/kg CV-AAS, ICP-MS
Microbiological Total Plate Count ≤ 1000 CFU/g ISO 4833-1
Yeast & Mold ≤ 100 CFU/g ISO 21527-1, -2
Escherichia coli Absent in 10g ISO 16649-2
Salmonella spp. Absent in 25g ISO 6579-1
Staphylococcus aureus Absent in 1g ISO 6888-1, -2

6. Production Process: Precision Fermentation & Purification

Our citric acid production leverages state-of-the-art submerged fermentation technology:

  1. Substrate Preparation: High-quality carbohydrate sources (e.g., non-GMO corn starch hydrolysate) are sterilized and conditioned.

  2. Fermentation: Aspergillus niger is cultivated under meticulously controlled conditions (pH, temperature, aeration, nutrient feed) to maximize citric acid yield.

  3. Mycelium Separation: The fungal biomass is removed via filtration or centrifugation.

  4. Purification: The broth undergoes lime treatment (precipitation as calcium citrate), followed by sulfuric acid regeneration to yield citric acid solution.

  5. Crystallization: The solution is concentrated and crystallized (anhydrous or monohydrate forms).

  6. Drying & Milling: Crystals are dried to precise moisture specifications and milled to desired particle size distribution.

  7. Quality Control: Rigorous in-process and final product testing (HPLC, NMR, ICP-MS, microbiological) ensures compliance with specifications.

7. Application Scenarios

Citric acid’s versatility spans numerous industries:

  • Food & Beverage (F&B): Primary acidulant (soft drinks, juices, candies), flavor enhancer, pH adjuster, preservative (chelates metal catalysts of oxidation), antioxidant synergist, emulsifying aid in processed cheeses.

  • Pharmaceuticals: Excipient (effervescent formulations, flavor masking, pH adjustment in syrups and injections), anticoagulant (blood collection tubes), chelator in metal detoxification.

  • Cosmetics & Personal Care: pH adjuster (creams, lotions, shampoos), chelating agent (stabilizes formulations, enhances preservative efficacy), AHA for exfoliation and brightening (serums, peels), antioxidant.

  • Household & Industrial Cleaners: Key chelating agent in descaling agents, dishwasher detergents, bathroom cleaners (removes hard water stains, rust, lime scale), biodegradable alternative to phosphates.

  • Water Treatment: pH adjustment, chelation of metal ions to prevent scaling/corrosion.

  • Other: Textile processing (dyeing, printing), photography, oilfield chemicals, concrete setting retardant.

8. Quality Control (QC): Commitment to Excellence

At Shaanxi Zhonghong, QC is paramount. Our integrated QC system ensures consistent, premium citric acid:

  • Raw Material Vetting: Strict protocols for incoming carbohydrate sources and other inputs, including identity, purity, and contaminant testing.

  • In-Process Controls: Real-time monitoring of critical fermentation parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, sugar concentration) and purification steps. Automated systems trigger alerts for deviations.

  • Advanced Analytics: Our ISO 17025 accredited lab utilizes HPLC-UV/ELSD/RID for precise quantification and impurity profiling, ICP-MS/OES for trace heavy metals, GC-MS/MS/LC-MS/MS for pesticide residues, validated microbiological methods (ISO standards), Karl Fischer titration for moisture, and Potentiometric Titration for assay. FTIR and NMR confirm structural identity.

  • Stability Studies: Ongoing studies under ICH guidelines to establish shelf life and storage recommendations.

  • Documentation & Traceability: Comprehensive batch records and electronic data management ensure full traceability from raw material to finished product.

  • Compliance: Adherence to cGMP, HACCP, ISO 9001, and relevant pharmacopoeial/food safety regulations (FDA, EFSA).

9. Packaging & Logistics

  • Packaging: Offered in various formats to suit customer needs: 25kg multi-layer kraft paper bags with polyethylene liner (standard), 1000kg bulk bags (FIBCs), or custom packaging upon request. All packaging ensures product integrity, moisture protection, and meets international transport regulations (IMDG, IATA).

  • Logistics: Leveraging our global network, we provide efficient, reliable logistics solutions via sea, air, or land freight. Expertise in handling customs clearance and documentation for seamless international delivery.

10. Health Efficacy, Applications & Research Frontiers

  • Health Mechanisms: Beyond its role in the Krebs cycle, research explores citric acid’s potential in modulating inflammation, enhancing mineral solubility in the gut, and its role in bone health (via citrate in apatite). Its urinary alkalinization mechanism involves metabolism to bicarbonate.

  • Industrial Innovation: Focus areas include optimizing fermentation strains (A. niger engineering) for higher yields and reduced byproducts, developing novel purification techniques (e.g., membrane filtration, continuous chromatography) for sustainability, and exploring new applications in green chemistry (biodegradable chelators, catalyst synthesis).

  • Research Challenges: Key challenges include reducing the environmental footprint of production (water/energy use, waste streams), improving cost-effectiveness for bulk applications, and fully elucidating its therapeutic potential at supra-dietary doses in specific conditions.

11. Citric Acid FAQ

  • Q: Is citric acid natural? A: Yes, it occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Most commercial citric acid is produced via microbial fermentation, a natural process, using plant-derived carbohydrates.

  • Q: Is citric acid safe? A: Yes, citric acid is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA and approved globally for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics when used appropriately.

  • Q: Can citric acid expire? A: When stored properly (cool, dry place in sealed containers), high-purity citric acid is extremely stable. It may absorb moisture over very long periods but remains functionally effective. Shelf life is typically 3-5 years.

  • Q: Does citric acid kill bacteria? A: While acidic conditions can inhibit some microbial growth, citric acid is primarily a preservative enhancer through chelation and pH reduction. It works synergistically with other preservatives (e.g., in foods and cosmetics).

  • Q: Can I use citric acid for cleaning? A: Absolutely! It’s highly effective as a descaling agent for kettles, coffee makers, showerheads, and removing hard water stains. Dilute 1-2 tablespoons per cup of warm water.

  • Q: How does citric acid benefit skin? A: As an AHA, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, improves texture and radiance, helps fade dark spots, adjusts pH to support the skin barrier, and acts as an antioxidant.

12. Where to Buy High-Purity Citric Acid?

Source premium, high-purity (>99.5%) Citric Acid directly from the manufacturer:

13. Conclusion

Citric acid is an indispensable, multi-functional compound with profound significance across biological systems and vast industrial applications. From energizing cellular metabolism to preserving food, enhancing cosmetics, and powering eco-friendly cleaners, its versatility is unmatched. Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. delivers citric acid of exceptional purity and consistency, backed by advanced fermentation technology, rigorous quality control exceeding industry standards, and 28 years of expertise in bioactive compounds. We are committed to providing tailored, reliable solutions for global partners in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and beyond. Contact us today for your citric acid requirements.

14. References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary: Citric Acid. National Library of Medicine. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Citric-acid

  2. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Citric Acid. JECFA Monographs. https://www.fao.org/

  3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). SCOGS Database: Citric Acid. https://www.fda.gov/

  4. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Re-evaluation of citric acid (E 330)… EFSA Journal.

  5. Soccol, C. R., et al. (2006). Citric acid production. Food Technology and Biotechnology.

  6. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). Safety Assessment of Citric Acid… International Journal of Toxicology.

  7. Max, B., et al. (2010). Citric acid production. Recent Patents on Biotechnology.

  8. Relevant Pharmacopoeias: United States Pharmacopeia (USP), European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), Food Chemicals Codex (FCC).

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