Citric acid - properties and application

Citric acid is primarily associated with a popular food additive. Rightly so, but it is also used in many other industries. Read what properties citric acid has and where else it is used.

Physicochemical properties and occurrence of citric acid

Citric acid is an organic chemical compound from the group of hydroxy carboxylic acids. It has the form of colorless, fine crystals. It can be obtained synthetically as:

• the anhydrous form;
• citric acid monohydrate.

For industrial purposes, citric acid is mainly produced in the process of lemon fermentation using a specially selected mold, the so-called black aspergillus.

The substance is well soluble in water and has an intense sour taste. Citric acid is found in the system of all living beings, where it plays an important role in energy metabolism. In the natural environment, it is found primarily in acidic fruits such as lemons, limes, blueberries and blueberries.

The use of citric acid

Citric acid is primarily used in:

• food industry as a preservative;
• production of cleaning agents;
• pharmaceutical industry for the formulation of certain drugs.

Citric acid as a food additive

Citric acid is known in food technology as E330 . Acts as an acidity regulator. This means that it is used to modify the taste of food by changing the pH.

The task of substances maintaining the appropriate acidity of food is also to extend its shelf life, maintain the original color of the product and counteract the generation of free radicals. What's more, the presence of citric acid improves the absorption of vitamins and other chemical compounds contained in the products and can positively affect the consistency of the product, acting as a stabilizer.

The E330 preservative is an additive to ready-made meat or fish products, sweetened drinks, sauces, confectionery products and ready-made spice mixes.

Citric acid in the household

Citric acid in homes has been known for years . It can be used as an effective descaling agent from the inside of a kettle or pot. In this way, you can also effectively get rid of the unsightly deposit on the bottom of the cups. Just mix a few teaspoons of acid with a small amount of water, pour the mixture into a glass and leave it for a few hours.

The substance effectively removes dirt and scale from bathroom fittings, floor tiles and plastic elements, such as shower tray walls. It is a popular addition to ecological cleaning agents, which works much more gently than popular detergents and does not cause matting of the cleaned surface.

Citric acid in pharmaceuticals

Citric acid is also commonly used in the manufacture of medicines. Together with bicarbonates, it is responsible for the effervescent effect of various types of powders and tablets, such as popular multivitamins or aspirin.

It also helps to mask the unpleasant, bitter taste of active substances contained in medical preparations. It is often used in combination with popular sweeteners to obtain the desired flavor of the solution.

It is also a popular addition to bone strengthening preparations, as it increases the absorption of calcium. It is also used as an antiemetic.

Another use of citric acid

The organic compound is also used in other industry sectors - in the metallurgical industry it is used to clean boilers, silos and machines from metal oxides. In the production of textiles, it plays an important role in the dyeing process and serves as the so-called buffer regulator by changing the pH.

Citric acid is also used by farmers and breeders. When added to animal feed, it increases the absorption of micro- and macroelements. It also makes animals more willing to eat enriched food. In turn, as an addition to fertilizers, it increases the assimilation of nitrogen by plants and improves soil quality.

Effect of citric acid on health

The harmfulness of citric acid has not been clearly confirmed. No international organization has established the maximum allowable amount of this substance.

In the opinion of the World Health Organization, as well as the American Food and Drug Administration, this compound has received the GRAS ( Generally Recognized As Safe) status. This means that the substance is safe when used as directed. It is therefore common to use doses in the so-called quantum satis , i.e. the minimum amount sufficient to achieve the intended goal.

Does this mean, however, that E330 can be consumed in any quantities? Not necessarily. People suffering from e.g. on:

• kidney disease;
• dehydration of the body;
• adrenal insufficiency.

In their case, an excessive supply of citric acid can additionally burden the body.

Citric acid price

At distripark.com you can buy both food grade acid and technical acid. The first one is primarily suitable for use as an additive to food and medicines and is sold in single 25 kg bag packaging or combined - 300 or 1000 kg. A single package costs about PLN 450.

In turn, technical citric acid will work as a cleaning agent in industrial plants, restaurants, as well as an additive in many other processes, such as oil refining or the production of paints and varnish coatings. Its price is about PLN 150 for an 8-litre package.

If you are looking for proven solutions for your company, check out the offer of distripark.com chemical warehouse. It is a guarantee of the highest quality raw materials and professional advice. You will find only carefully tested and purified substances.