Citric Acid Monohydrate - USP Food Grade

Product Overview

Citric Acid Monohydrate – USP Food Grade is a white crystalline powder with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₇·H₂O and a molecular weight of 210.14 g/mol. This product meets USP-NF Monograph requirements and is formulated for food, beverage, and related industrial applications where controlled acidity, chelation, and preservative action are required. It is supplied as a high-purity material with a typical assay of 99.9% and a color maximum of 5 APHA units, ensuring consistency and compliance with stringent quality standards. The compound is soluble in water and exhibits a slightly sour odor, making it suitable for flavor enhancement and acidity modulation in a variety of formulations. The specific gravity at 20°C is typically 1.55, supporting precise dosing in production processes.

USP-grade citric acid monohydrate is widely used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in food and beverages, where it also acts as a chelating agent to stabilize metal ions and improve product stability. Its properties support reliable performance in pH adjustment, buffering, and sensory enhancement, while maintaining compatibility with HDPE and glass packaging. This product is prepared under controlled conditions to minimize trace impurities and heavy metals, aligning with consumer safety expectations and regulatory requirements for food-grade ingredients.

Key Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Solubility: Soluble in water
• Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇·H₂O
• Molecular Weight: 210.14 g/mol
• Boiling Point: N/A
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.54–1.56 (typical 1.55)
• Density (25°C): 1.665 g/mL
• Melting Point: 153–156°C
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.542
• Vapor Pressure (20°C): 1.0×10⁻⁴ mmHg
• Assay (wt %): 99.5–100.5 (typical 99.9)
• Residue on Ignition (wt %): ≤ 0.5 (typical 0.3)
• Chloride (Cl, ppm): ≤ 100 (typical 20)
• Nitrate/Nitrite (NO₃⁻, ppm): ≤ 200 (typical 50)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺, ppm): ≤ 15 (typical 5)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻, ppm): ≤ 1500 (typical 300)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻, ppm): ≤ 1000 (typical 200)
• Arsenic (As, ppm): ≤ 3 (typical 1)

Common Applications

• Food Preservative: Used to enhance flavor and preserve freshness in a wide range of food products in compliance with USP/grade specifications.
• pH Adjuster: Employed to precisely adjust acidity levels in food formulations, ensuring consistent product quality and microbial control.
• Chelating Agent: Stabilizes metal ions in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations, improving product stability and shelf life.
• Buffering Agent: Serves as a buffering component in cosmetic and personal care formulations to maintain pH balance during storage and use.
• Flavor Enhancer: Improves the overall sensory profile of beverages by contributing tartness and clean acidity.

Safety Precautions

Handle under standard industrial hygiene practices. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, in containers compatible with food-grade materials (HDPE or glass), and ensure containers are tightly sealed to prevent moisture ingress. Use appropriate PPE, including gloves and eye protection, when handling to prevent irritation from dust or contact with eyes and skin.

In case of exposure, this product may cause eye and skin irritation as indicated by hazard statements. Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for several minutes if contact occurs and seek medical attention if irritation persists. For skin exposure, wash with plenty of soap and water; if irritation develops, seek medical advice. If inhaled, move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. If ingested, rinse mouth and do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if unwell. Follow local regulations and the SDS for emergency procedures and spill handling.

Benefits

✔ High Purity USP/Food-Grade – Meets USP-NF monograph requirements with tight assay and color specifications for reliable quality in food and beverage formulations.
✔ Controlled Acidity and Chelation – Effective pH adjustment and metal ion stabilization, improving stability and flavor consistency in complex formulations.