Citric Acid Anhydrous and monodrous

What is Citric Acid?

Citric acid, commonly known as lemon essence ("Jowhar Limo"), is a weak, odorless organic compound with the chemical formula $C_6H_8O_7$, available as a white powder. This acid is supplied to industries in two forms: anhydrous (water-free) and monohydrate (hydrated). The primary application of this substance is in the food and beverage industries, where its antioxidant properties and its ability to buffer (maintain pH balance) are extensively used. Furthermore, it is also notable in the production of cosmetics and hygiene products due to its capability to adjust pH. Various suppliers, such as the TTCA, Ensign, and Joyne brands, offer this acid in diverse packaging. For the online purchase of citric acid in its dry and hydrated forms, you can refer to reputable chemical supply websites.

 

Physical and Chemical Properties of Citric Acid

This substance is a weak organic acid with the physical appearance of a white crystalline solid that decomposes at higher temperatures. Its molecular formula is C_6H_8O_7. It is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to foods and soft drinks. In biochemistry, citric acid's conjugate base, citrate, is important as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. Citric acid is soluble in water or alcohol and sparingly soluble in ether.

Citric acid is a plant intermediate and a natural compound of physiological metabolism. It is a colorless, transparent or translucent crystal, or a granular particle powder, and is odorless. It gradually decomposes in hot air, but it has minimal decomposition in humid air. It is mainly used as an acidulant, flavoring agent, and as a chelating agent.

 

Citric Acid Reaction with Water

When citric acid is exposed to water, a process called dissociation occurs, during which the acid molecule breaks down into positive hydrogen ions and negative citrate ions. This dissociation process imparts the compound's acidic nature. It is noteworthy that temperature conditions affect the type of crystal formed from the aqueous solution: if the crystallization process occurs from hot water, the anhydrous (water-free) form of citric acid is formed, while crystallization from cold water leads to the formation of the monohydrate (hydrated) form of this acid.

 

Types of Citric Acid

Citric acid is produced and marketed in two different forms for industrial and food uses.

Anhydrous Citric Acid (Dry) is the form that lacks water molecules of crystallization in its structure. This type is usually preferred for applications where minimal moisture is critical, such as the production of dry powders, packaged mixes, or moisture-sensitive products. This form is obtained through crystallization from hot aqueous solutions.

Citric Acid Monohydrate (Hydrated) contains one molecule of water in its crystal structure. This form is often used in many general applications, including the production of beverages, gels, and food products that naturally contain water, due to its better solubility and suitable stability. Citric acid monohydrate is obtained through crystallization from cold aqueous solutions. The choice between these two types when purchasing depends entirely on the specific needs of the final product's formulation and processing conditions.

 

Method of Citric Acid Preparation

Citric acid naturally exists in various fruits and vegetables, with citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes, containing the highest concentration of this acid. While chemical synthesis routes using precursors like oxaloacetate and vinyl ketone are also known, the dominant and economical method for mass production of this substance is the industrial fermentation process. These fermentation methods include techniques such as solid-state fermentation, shallow tray fermentation, and the submerged fermentation process.

The history of industrial citric acid production dates back to 1890, when the process was first established in Italy, based on the use of citrus fruit juice. In that method, the fruit juice was first combined with calcium hydroxide to precipitate and separate calcium citrate. The product was then obtained by purification and reacting the separated precipitate with sulfuric acid. Although this process was based on natural raw materials, today's fermentation-based methods are more efficient. On the other hand, the chemical production of this compound can begin with calcium aconitic or isocitrate/allocitrate salts under specific conditions, such as high pressure, and quantitatively yield the product via an almost reverse and non-enzymatic pathway of the Krebs cycle.

 

Advantages and Applications of Citric Acid

Citric acid possesses countless properties that play an important role in human health and industrial applications. This organic acid is widely used in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics and hygiene. Citric acid is famous for its pleasant sour taste and its chelating property (the ability to bind to metal ions). The benefits of this compound include flavor enhancement, increased product shelf life, and even a positive effect on the appearance of some items.

Energy Supply and Mineral Absorption (Biological Benefits)

Citric acid has multiple properties beneficial to the human body, among which is its vital role in energy supply. In its citrate form, this acid actively participates in the Krebs cycle (one of the body's most famous metabolic cycles) and significantly assists individuals in performing daily activities by converting nutrients into energy. This cycle, essential for the survival of most aerobic organisms on Earth, is dependent on the presence of citrate. Furthermore, citric acid increases the body's ability to absorb more minerals and contributes to general health.

Flavor Enhancer (Sensory Enhancer)

One of the key advantages of citric acid is its ability to enhance and improve the flavor of products. Given its sharp, tart taste, this acid helps improve the flavor profile of certain foods and beverages. It is typically used in soft drinks and fruit-flavored compositions to create a sharp and pleasant sensation. It is also used in processed foods such as marinades, salad dressings, and seasonings to elevate the taste. In industries like canning, jams, jellies, and candies, it enhances the sensory quality of these products by extracting the natural flavor of the fruits and creating a pleasant tartness.

Preservative Agent (Extends Shelf Life)

The preservative property of citric acid is another significant benefit. This substance is widely used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in food and beverage products. This action helps maintain the quality and freshness of products over the long term and increases the useful life of items such as canned, frozen, or refrigerated foods. For example, in fruit juices and carbonated drinks, citric acid prevents product spoilage by inhibiting microorganism growth, thereby ensuring its shelf life.

Cleaning Function (Effective Cleanser)

Citric acid is also known as a highly effective cleaning agent. Thanks to its strong chelating property, this substance is capable of removing deposits of calcium and other minerals from various surfaces, making it an ideal ingredient for use in household and industrial cleaning products. It can be used to clean surfaces such as sinks, kitchen countertops, and bathroom fixtures. It is used in various detergents, such as dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and bathroom cleaners, to help remove stubborn stains and dirt, leaving surfaces shiny and clean.

Skin and Hair Care (Cosmetic Application)

In the cosmetics and hygiene industry, citric acid is used as a key component in the formulation of skin and hair care products. This substance is known for its exfoliating properties, which can help remove dead skin cells and accelerate the cell renewal process. It is also used to balance the skin's pH level, making it an effective ingredient in toners and skincare creams. Its presence in products such as cleansers, moisturizers, and toners helps with gentle exfoliation, reducing fine lines, and assisting in the regeneration of healthy skin cells.

Application in Agriculture (Soil Enhancer)

Citric acid is also used in the agricultural sector; here it is used as a chelating agent for trace elements and as a soil amendment. This substance helps in better plant growth and development by improving soil quality. Citric acid can chelate micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and manganese, thereby making them easier for the plant to access and absorb. For instance, it is used in hydroponic cultivation systems to supply micronutrients to the plant and is also added to fertilizers to increase the solubility and absorbability of nutrients for plants.

Pharmaceutical Industry (Flavor Adjustment and Improvement)

Citric acid is also used as a component in various formulations within the pharmaceutical industry. This substance is used to adjust the pH in the production of injectable drugs, capsules, and tablets. Additionally, it is added to medications due to its ability to mask bitter tastes, making them more palatable for patients, especially children. For example, in over-the-counter medications like cough syrups and antacids, citric acid helps improve the taste and enhances the overall efficacy of the drug.

 

Disadvantages of Citric Acid

Although citric acid is generally considered a safe acidic compound that naturally occurs in nature and the human body, excessive consumption or exposure to its pure form can lead to unwanted side effects. Among these effects is respiratory tract irritation; individuals who inhale vapors from pure citric acid may experience symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Frequent and high consumption of this substance in the diet can lead to digestive issues, with symptoms including stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and in severe cases, nausea or vomiting, and it can also exacerbate existing conditions such as acid reflux. Furthermore, in case of contact between concentrated citric acid solutions and the eyes, severe redness or pain may occur.

The limitations of using citric acid extend beyond acute problems. The high acidic property of this substance, if consumed frequently or in large quantities, leads to erosion of tooth enamel, which itself is a factor in increased sensitivity, decay, and damage to teeth, especially if combined with other acidic beverages like sodas. Additionally, topical exposure of sensitive skin to it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, including redness, itching, or even blistering. From a health perspective, citric acid is processed and excreted by the kidneys, and its excessive consumption can put significant strain on the kidneys; especially for individuals with a history of kidney problems or kidney stones, it is recommended to limit their intake. Finally, this acid can interfere with certain medications and alter their absorption or efficacy; for instance, it may reduce the absorption of iron supplements or aluminum-containing antacids. Therefore, although the substance is safe in moderation, awareness of these side effects is essential for responsible use.

 

Purchasing Citric Acid from Persia Kamandar Paitakht Company

Purchasing citric acid from Persia Kamandar Paitakht Company is a key step in guaranteeing the supply of raw materials with high purity, stability, and traceability for the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Given the variety in purity ranges and different packaging, including standard conditions and quality certifications, this company, as a supplier of chemical and food raw materials, can provide solutions tailored to customer needs. Collaboration with Persia Kamandar Paitakht (supplier of food raw materials) brings added value such as access to precise technical data, test samples, and after-sales services, which reduce quality risks and make the supply process transparent and efficient. Furthermore, attention to shipping specifications, expiration date, and customs requirements are among the key factors in optimizing delivery time and costs. Ultimately, designing an organized ordering process, from the formal request to the final confirmation of price and payment terms, results in a reliable and effective experience when purchasing citric acid from Persia Kamandar Paytakht.