Citric Acid 50% Solution

Product Overview

Citric Acid 50% Solution is a clear, colorless liquid designed for use as a versatile acidulant and chelating agent across multiple industrial sectors. The solution presents as a dilute organic acid with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₇ and a typical acidity profile that enables precise pH adjustment and formulation stabilization in both process and finished product contexts. The 50% w/w concentration balances performance with handling convenience, supporting consistent dosing in food, cleaning, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications. The material is supplied with documentation aligned to USP-NF Monograph and FCC standards, and is formulated to minimize impurities that could interfere with sensitive formulations or analytical methods.

The product exhibits low color (APHA typical 5) and controlled residue after ignition, supporting high-purity requirements in regulated environments. Its chelating properties enable effective sequestration of trace metals, reducing catalytic degradation in formulations and improving shelf life. With a typical specific gravity around 1.058 at 20°C and 1.06 at 25°C, users can accurately compute bath and solution volumes for precise process control. Citric Acid 50% Solution is compatible with HDPE and glass storage, and it is non-chlorinated, reducing chlorinated byproducts in processing environments. The supplier emphasizes compliance with industry standards and a robust safety data package to support industrial procurement and audit readiness.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇
• Molecular Weight: 192.13 g/mol
• Boiling Point: N/A
• Specific Gravity (25°C): 1.06 (typical)
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.058 (typical)
• pH (1:1 w/w water/citric solution): 2.5 (typical), 2–3 (range)
• Residue After Ignition: 0.05% typical, ≤0.2% max
• Chloride (Cl): ≤20 mg/kg (typical), ≤50 mg/kg (max)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): ≤10 mg/kg (typical), ≤25 mg/kg (max)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): ≤2 mg/kg (typical), ≤5 mg/kg (max)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): ≤5 mg/kg (typical), ≤20 mg/kg (max)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): ≤2 mg/kg (typical), ≤5 mg/kg (max)
• Arsenic (As): ≤0.005 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.01 mg/kg (max)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Iron (Fe): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Copper (Cu): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Manganese (Mn): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Nickel (Ni): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Lead (Pb): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Zinc (Zn): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Aluminum (Al): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Chromium (Cr): ≤0.2 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.5 mg/kg (max)
• Cobalt (Co): ≤0.1 mg/kg (typical), ≤0.2 mg/kg (max)
• Calcium (Ca): ≤5 mg/kg (typical), ≤10 mg/kg (max)
• Magnesium (Mg): ≤5 mg/kg (typical), ≤10 mg/kg (max)
• Sodium (Na): ≤5 mg/kg (typical), ≤10 mg/kg (max)
• Sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) ppm: Typical 25 ppm, ≤50 ppm (max)
• Water Content: 49–51% (typical 50%)
• Shelf Life: 24 months from manufacture when stored properly

Common Applications

• Application Category: pH Adjustment – Food and Beverage: Used to adjust acidity in products to optimize flavor profile, texture, and microbiological stability while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Application Category: Chelating Agent – Pharmaceutical: Stabilizes metal ions in formulations, enhancing product stability and bioavailability.
• Application Category: Cleaning Agent – Industrial Cleaning: Dissolves mineral deposits and scales in metalworking and processing equipment, aiding effective cleaning cycles.
• Application Category: Buffering Agent – Laboratory: Serves in biochemical assays to maintain stable pH during reactions and chromatographic procedures.
• Application Category: Cosmetic Ingredient – Personal Care: Included in cosmetic formulations for antioxidant and acidity-control properties to support product integrity.

Safety Precautions

Handling of Citric Acid 50% Solution should include the use of appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, and protective clothing) to prevent skin and eye contact. Store in a cool, dry place in compatible containers (HDPE or glass) and ensure adequate ventilation to minimize exposure to vapors; avoid direct sunlight and contact with oxidizing agents. Follow standard operating procedures and SDS recommendations for safe handling, transport, and spill response.

In case of exposure, refer to the SDS for first aid: rinse eyes with water for several minutes, wash skin with soap and water, seek medical attention if irritation persists, and avoid inducing vomiting if ingested. For spills, contain and collect material, then flush with water as appropriate while avoiding release to drains. Transport information: UN 1760, Corrosive liquid, n.o.s., Class 8, Packing Group II.

Benefits

✔ High-Purity, Low-Impurity Formula – Meets USP-NF Monograph and FCC requirements with low heavy metals and minimal chlorides, suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
✔ Reliable pH Adjustment and Chelation – Enables precise acidity control and metal ion stabilization in diverse formulations and processes.
✔ Stable, Clear Solution – 50% w/w formulation provides consistent dosing, low color (typical APHA 5), and predictable performance across batches.