Citric Acid

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.


1. Defining Citric Acid: Science and Properties

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 Chemistry Behind the Sour

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:

  • pH Buffering: Maintaining the stability of chemical mixtures.
  • Chelation: Its ability to bind to metal ions makes it indispensable in detergents and water treatment.
  • Preservation: By lowering the pH, it prevents the growth of bacteria and mold in food manufacturing.

2. Global Industrial Applications

Food and Beverage

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.

Pharmaceutical Industry

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.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

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.

Industrial Cleaning and Metal Treatment

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.


3. Why Purchase from ChemicalsSuppliers.com?

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.

  • Global Logistics: We ship to over 100 countries.
  • Competitive Pricing: As a direct supplier, we bypass middlemen to ensure the best market rates.
  • Compliance: All products meet international safety standards, including ISO and REACH certifications.

4. 50+ Related Chemicals and Where to Buy

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.)


5. External Resources for Deep Dive

For further technical specifications, you may visit:


6. Global Keywords and Translations

To ensure our global audience finds the best chemical suppliers, here is the translation of “Citric Acid” in various languages:

  • Chinese: 柠檬酸 (Níngméng suān)
  • Hindi: साइट्रिक एसिड (Citric Acid)
  • Spanish: Ácido cítrico
  • Arabic: حمض الستريك
  • French: Acide citrique
  • Bengali: সাইট্রিক অ্যাসিড
  • Korean: 구연산 (Guyeonsan)
  • Portuguese: Ácido cítrico
  • Indonesian: Asam sitrat
  • Russian: Лимонная кислота (Limonnaya kislota)
  • German: Zitronensäure
  • Japanese: クエン酸 (Kuen-san)
  • Vietnamese: Axit xitric
  • Turkish: Sitrik asit

7. Conclusion: Partnering for Success

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.

Click here to buy Citric Acid and other raw chemicals at ChemicalsSuppliers.com