Citric Acid (Anhydrous / Monohydrate)

Citric Acid (Anhydrous / Monohydrate)

Product Overview

Citric Acid (Anhydrous / Monohydrate) is a versatile, high-purity organic acid available in two forms: anhydrous and monohydrate, presented as white crystalline powder or granules. With a chemical formula of C6H8O7 (anhydrous) or C6H8O7·H2O (monohydrate) and CAS number 77-92-9, it offers multi-functional performance as a buffer, chelating agent, antioxidant, pH adjuster, and natural preservative. This product meets strict international standards including BP, USP, FCC, E330, and GB1886.235-2016, ensuring safety and reliability for diverse industrial applications. Produced under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 management systems and Halal certified, it is a trusted ingredient for detergent, personal care, cosmetic, food and beverage industries.

Technical Specifications

1. CAS Number: 77-92-9
2. Chemical Formula: C6H8O7 (Anhydrous) / C6H8O7·H2O (Monohydrate)
3. Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
4. Assay: 99.5-100.5%
5. Acid Dissociation Constants: pKa1=3.13; pKa2=4.76; pKa3=6.39
6. Density: 1.66 g/ml (anhydrous) / 1.54 g/ml (monohydrate, bulk)
7. Compliance Standards: BP/USP/FCC/E330/GB1886.235-2016
8. Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, Halal
9. Shelf Life: 36 months
10. Packaging: 25KG paper-plastic composite bag / 500KG/1000KG PP woven Jumbo bag
11. Monthly Production Capacity: 2,000 MT

Core Functional Properties

As a multi-functional organic acid, Citric Acid (Anhydrous / Monohydrate) delivers a range of critical performance benefits across industries. Its buffer capacity, defined by three distinct pKa values, allows precise pH adjustment in formulations, enabling manufacturers to achieve desired acidity levels with q.s. dosage. As a chelating agent, it binds metal ions gently, serving as a mild, environmentally friendly alternative to EDTA, which helps prevent metal-induced degradation in products and enhances cleaning efficiency in detergents. Its antioxidant properties inhibit oxidation and rancidity, extending the shelf life of food, personal care, and cosmetic products. Additionally, in personal care applications, it acts as an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), supporting skin exfoliation by breaking down dead skin cells, while balancing skin pH to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Key Advantages

1. High Purity and Compliance: With an assay range of 99.5-100.5% and adherence to BP/USP/FCC international standards, this citric acid ensures consistent performance and regulatory compliance for global markets.
2. Multi-Functional Versatility: It serves as pH adjuster, buffer, chelating agent, antioxidant, and natural preservative, reducing the need for multiple ingredients in formulation.
3. Mild EDTA Alternative: Its metal chelating ability offers a gentler, biodegradable alternative to synthetic chelators like EDTA, aligning with eco-friendly product development trends.
4. Skin-Friendly AHA Benefits: As an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, it supports safe skin exfoliation and pH balancing, making it suitable for skincare and personal care products.
5. Environmental Safety: Biodegradable and produced under ISO 14001 environmental management standards, it minimizes environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.
6. Reliable Supply: With a monthly production capacity of 2,000 MT, it ensures stable, large-volume supply for industrial-scale manufacturing needs.
7. Halal Certification: Meets Halal requirements, expanding its applicability in food, personal care, and cosmetic products for Muslim markets.

Storage and Handling Guidelines

Citric Acid (Anhydrous / Monohydrate) is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, so proper storage is critical to maintain its quality. It should be stored in airtight containers, placed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, and protected from direct sunlight. Avoid exposure to high humidity or temperature fluctuations, as these can cause clumping or degradation of the product. When handling, use appropriate protective equipment to prevent direct contact with skin or eyes, and ensure work areas are well-ventilated to avoid inhalation of dust particles.

Target Customer Groups

This product caters to a wide range of industrial clients, including detergent manufacturers, personal care and cosmetic formulators, food and beverage processing companies, chemical raw material wholesalers, OEM/ODM chemical suppliers, and skincare product developers. It is also suitable for businesses focusing on eco-friendly and Halal-certified product lines, as well as manufacturers requiring reliable, high-volume supply of multi-functional organic acids.

Application Scenarios

1. Detergent Formulations: Adjusts pH levels, chelates metal ions to enhance cleaning performance, and acts as a builder to boost the effectiveness of surfactants, making it ideal for laundry detergents, dish soaps, and industrial cleaners.
2. Personal Care and Cosmetics: Functions as an AHA for skin exfoliation in facial scrubs, peels, and anti-aging products; balances pH in cleansers, toners, and moisturizers; and acts as a natural preservative to extend product shelf life.
3. Food and Beverage Industry: Serves as an acidulant to enhance flavor in beverages, candies, and processed foods; acts as a preservative to prevent spoilage; and functions as a buffer to maintain consistent product acidity.
4. Buffer System Formulation: Used in pharmaceutical and laboratory applications to create stable buffer solutions for chemical reactions, drug formulations, and analytical testing.
5. Metal Ion Chelation: Applied in industrial cleaning products to remove mineral deposits and prevent metal-induced corrosion, as well as in water treatment to bind heavy metal ions.
6. Natural Preservative Applications: Added to organic food, personal care, and cosmetic products to inhibit microbial growth without synthetic preservatives.

Industry Pain Points Addressed

1. Synthetic Ingredient Concerns: It provides a natural, biodegradable alternative to synthetic chelators like EDTA, addressing consumer demand for eco-friendly and skin-safe ingredients.
2. Formulation Complexity: Its multi-functional performance reduces the number of ingredients needed in formulations, simplifying production processes and lowering material costs.
3. Regulatory Compliance Challenges: Meeting BP/USP/FCC standards and Halal certification ensures products comply with global regulatory requirements, facilitating market access in regions with strict import guidelines.
4. Supply Chain Instability: With a monthly production capacity of 2,000 MT, it offers a reliable supply solution for manufacturers facing shortages of raw materials.
5. Product Shelf Life Limitations: Its antioxidant and preservative properties extend the shelf life of food and personal care products, reducing waste and improving product durability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between anhydrous and monohydrate citric acid?
A: Anhydrous citric acid has no water molecules in its structure, with a density of 1.66 g/ml, making it more suitable for low-moisture formulations. Monohydrate citric acid contains one water molecule, with a density of 1.54 g/ml, and is often preferred for applications where controlled moisture release is beneficial.
Q: How does citric acid act as a chelating agent alternative to EDTA?
A: Citric acid binds to metal ions through its carboxyl groups, preventing them from reacting with other ingredients in formulations. Unlike EDTA, it is biodegradable and milder, making it a safer, eco-friendly option for many applications.
Q: Is this citric acid suitable for Halal food products?
A: Yes, the product is Halal certified, meeting the requirements for use in Halal food, personal care, and cosmetic products.
Q: What dosage is recommended for pH adjustment?
A: The dosage varies based on the desired pH level of the formulation; q.s. (quantum satis) is recommended, meaning the amount needed to achieve the target pH.
Q: How long is the shelf life of this citric acid?
A: When stored properly in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, the product has a shelf life of 36 months.
Q: Does this citric acid meet international quality standards?
A: Yes, it complies with BP, USP, FCC, E330, and GB1886.235-2016 standards, ensuring high quality and regulatory compliance for global markets.