Citric Acid 50% Solution

Product Overview

Citric Acid 50% Solution is a high-purity, clear liquid specifically formulated for industrial applications requiring precise acidity and chelating capabilities. As a concentrated organic acid with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₇, this solution serves as a versatile alternative to mineral acids. Also known in the industry as Sour Salt or E330, this Reagent Grade fluid allows for accurate pH adjustment and formulation stabilization without the solubility issues often associated with powdered forms.

The 50% w/w concentration provides an optimal balance between active content and ease of handling. It is widely used for stainless steel passivation, removing iron oxides, and sequestering trace metals in water treatment and chemical processing. The product is manufactured to minimize impurities such as heavy metals and chlorides, aligning with USP-NF Monograph and FCC standards. With a typical specific gravity of 1.058–1.06, plant operators can easily calculate volume requirements for bath dosing and process integration.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Grade: Reagent Grade (Aligns with USP-NF/FCC)
• Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇
• Specific Gravity: 1.06 at 25°C (typical)
• pH: 2–3 (1:1 dilution)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Iron (Fe): ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Residue After Ignition: ≤0.2% max
• Chloride (Cl): ≤50 mg/kg (max)
• Shelf Life: 24 months with proper storage

Common Applications

• Metal Surface Treatment: Used extensively for the passivation of stainless steel, removing free iron from the surface to prevent corrosion without using nitric acid.
• Industrial Cleaning: Acts as an effective descaler for boilers, evaporators, and heat exchangers by chelating calcium and magnesium deposits.
• pH Control: Provides reliable acidity adjustment in water treatment, textile processing, and chemical manufacturing.
• Chelating Agent: Sequesters trace metals in formulations to improve stability and prevent catalytic degradation.
• Laboratory Reagent: Functions as a buffering agent in biochemical assays and chromatographic procedures.

Safety Precautions

Citric Acid 50% Solution is corrosive to certain metals and can cause irritation to eyes and skin. Personnel should utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated to minimize vapor accumulation.

Store in High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or glass containers; avoid carbon steel. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and bases. In the event of a spill, contain the material and neutralize carefully before disposal according to local regulations. For transport purposes, this product is classified as UN 1760, Corrosive liquid, n.o.s., Class 8, Packing Group II.

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