Citric acid is a naturally occurring fruit acid, produced commercially by microbial fermentation of a carbohydrate substrate. Citric acid is the most widely used organic acid and pH-control agent in foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and technical applications.
Citric acid monohydrate occurs as colourless crystals or as white, crystalline powder with a strongly acidic taste. It is efflorescent in dry air, very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96 %) and sparingly soluble in ether.
Citric acid monohydrate is non-toxic and has a low reactivity. It is chemically stable if stored at ambient temperatures. Citric acid monohydrate is fully biodegradable and can be disposed of with regular waste or sewage. Properties
Monohydrate
Colourless or white
Crystals or crystalline powder
Strongly acidic (pH in a 5 % solution approx. 1.8)