CAS 77-92-9 · Tricarboxylic Acid · GRAS
Citric Acid
Anhydrous & Monohydrate · C₆H₈O₇ · MW 192.12 g/mol
A naturally occurring tricarboxylic acid and the world's most widely used food acidulant. Produced by fermentation of sugars, citric acid is GRAS-listed, biodegradable, and effective across a broad range of industrial, food, pharmaceutical, and cleaning applications. Texas-Chem supplies citric acid in anhydrous, monohydrate, and USP/food grades.
Formula
C₆H₈O₇
Melting Point
156 °C
Solubility
592 g/L at 20 °C
Pack Sizes
Bags · Drums · Super Sacks
Structural Formula
Tricarboxylic acid — three –COOH groups and one central hydroxyl group
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 1 — Slight hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL
- None established
- ACGIH TLV
- None established
- FDA Status
- GRAS (food/pharma grades)
- DOT Hazard Class
- Not regulated
- Skin/Eye
- Irritant — avoid contact
SDS available upon request. Food/pharma applications require USP/FCC grade.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₈O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 192.12 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 77-92-9 |
| Physical State | White crystalline solid |
| Melting Point | 156 °C (313 °F) — anhydrous |
| Decomposition | >175 °C |
| Density | 1.665 g/cm³ (anhydrous) |
| Solubility in Water | 592 g/L at 20 °C |
| pKa₁ | 3.13 |
| pKa₂ | 4.76 |
| pKa₃ | 6.40 |
| pH (1% solution) | ~2.2 |
Industrial Applications
Food & Beverage Acidulant
The most widely used food acidulant (E330) — provides tartness and pH control in soft drinks, candies, jams, and dairy products. Citric acid accounts for over 70% of global acidulant consumption in food applications.
Cleaning & Descaling
Effective descaling agent for removing calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and other mineral deposits from boilers, heat exchangers, dishwashers, and industrial equipment. Biodegradable and safer than mineral acids for many applications.
Pharmaceuticals
Excipient, pH adjuster, and chelating agent in oral and injectable drug formulations. Used in effervescent tablets (with sodium bicarbonate) and as a preservative in blood collection systems.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
pH adjuster and chelating agent in shampoos, skin creams, and hair dyes. Citric acid sequesters metal ions that would otherwise degrade formulations and discolor products.
Water Treatment
Chelating agent for iron and manganese removal in water treatment. Used to clean reverse osmosis membranes and ion exchange resins, and as a sequestrant in boiler water treatment programs.
Metal Cleaning & Passivation
Mild acid cleaner for removing rust and scale from stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. Used for passivation of stainless steel surfaces in food processing and pharmaceutical equipment.
Why Source Citric Acid from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying industrial chemicals to Texas manufacturers
- Anhydrous, monohydrate, and USP/food grades available
- Bags, drums, and super sacks for any volume requirement
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities