Citric Acid: The Ultimate Industrial, Culinary, and Chemical Guide
Citric acid (systematic name: 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) is perhaps one of the most versatile and essential organic compounds in the modern world. Known by its common synonyms—citrate, E330, or sour salt—this weak organic acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits but is mass-produced for everything from food preservation to industrial metal cleaning.
At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we are dedicated to providing industrial-grade, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade citric acid to businesses worldwide. This comprehensive guide explores why this compound is a pillar of the global chemical supply chain.
Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid. Its chemical formula is C₆H₈O₇. In its solid form, it appears as a white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol, making it an ideal additive for liquid formulations.
The characteristic “sour” taste that makes lemons and limes refreshing is due to the high concentration of citric acid. In industrial applications, this acidity is leveraged for:
Citric acid is the food industry’s primary acidulant. It adds a tart flavor to sodas, candies, and jellies. Beyond flavor, it acts as a chelating agent, preventing food spoilage by binding to trace metals that would otherwise catalyze oxidation.
In medicine, it acts as an excipient. It is used to balance the pH of liquid medications and serves as an anticoagulant (in the form of sodium citrate) for blood storage.
You will find citric acid in almost every shampoo, face wash, and moisturizer. It acts as an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), which helps in the exfoliation of dead skin cells and balances the pH level of skin products to match the human skin barrier.
This is where our customers at ChemicalsSuppliers.com utilize it most. Because it is biodegradable and less corrosive than hydrochloric acid, it is the preferred choice for removing limescale, rust, and mineral deposits from industrial machines and boilers.
When sourcing chemicals, purity is non-negotiable. Whether you are looking for USP/BP food-grade citric acid or industrial anhydrous crystals, quality assurance is our priority.
Below is a list of essential chemicals often purchased alongside Citric Acid for industrial, lab, or manufacturing use. All these items are available for procurement at ChemicalsSuppliers.com.
| Chemical Name | Synonyms | Typical Price Range (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Citrate | Trisodium citrate | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Ascorbic Acid | Vitamin C | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| Acetic Acid | Ethanoic acid | $0.80 – $2.00 |
| Malic Acid | Apple acid | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| Phosphoric Acid | Orthophosphoric acid | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Baking soda | $0.50 – $1.20 |
| Potassium Sorbate | E202 | $3.50 – $6.00 |
| Calcium Chloride | Road salt / Desiccant | $0.40 – $1.00 |
| Magnesium Sulfate | Epsom salt | $0.60 – $1.50 |
| Glycerin | Glycerol | $1.20 – $2.50 |
| Benzalkonium Chloride | BAC / Quat | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Oxidizer | $0.70 – $2.00 |
| Sodium Hydroxide | Caustic soda | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol | PVA | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| EDTA Disodium | Chelating agent | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Propylene Glycol | Food grade solvent | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Citric Acid Anhydrous | Pure E330 | $1.20 – $2.20 |
| Tartaric Acid | Wine acid | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Sodium Benzoate | Preservative | $1.80 – $3.50 |
| Stearic Acid | Fatty acid | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| … (List continues covering items like Boric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Isopropyl Alcohol, etc.) | … | … |
(Note: Prices fluctuate based on market demand and quantity ordered. Please visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com for real-time quotes.)
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As the demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced chemicals grows, ChemicalsSuppliers.com stands as your reliable partner. We provide not just the product, but the logistical expertise, purity certifications, and consistent supply chains necessary for your business to thrive.
Whether you are formulating a new beverage, cleaning industrial pipelines, or manufacturing pharmaceuticals, reach out to our team today for a bulk quote. Experience the difference in quality and service that has made us a leading global distributor.
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