Chemical laboratory

Citric Acid Monohydrate Food

Premium Food-Grade Acidulant and Natural Preservative

  • CAS 5949-29-1
  • Formula C₆H₈O₇·H₂O
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.54 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point Decomposes °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.54 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 59 g/100 mL (20 °C) -
Ph 2.2 (1% solution) -
Molecular weight 210.14 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 100 °C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White crystalline powder -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Citric Acid Monohydrate Food (CAS 5949-29-1) is a white, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C₆H₈O₇·H₂O. This food-grade organic acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits and serves as one of the most versatile and widely used additives in the food, pharmaceutical, and cleaning industries. With exceptional solubility in water (59 g/100 mL at 20°C) and a characteristically tart taste, citric acid monohydrate provides reliable acidification, preservation, and flavor enhancement properties across numerous applications.

Key Applications

  • Food & Beverage Industry: Acts as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer in soft drinks, candies, jams, and processed foods. Its antimicrobial properties help extend shelf life while providing the signature tart taste in many consumer products.
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Functions as an excipient in tablet formulations and serves as a buffering agent to maintain optimal pH levels in medications and supplements.
  • Cleaning & Household Products: Utilized as an eco-friendly chelating agent that binds metal ions, making it effective in descaling products, dishwasher detergents, and general-purpose cleaners.
  • Laboratory Applications: Employed as a reagent for analytical chemistry, buffer preparation, and various research applications requiring precise pH control.

Safety & Handling

Citric acid monohydrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food applications, with no flash point or autoignition temperature as it decomposes rather than burns. Standard laboratory safety practices should be observed, including wearing protective eyewear and gloves when handling. Ensure adequate ventilation to minimize dust exposure, and avoid inhalation of powder particles. While non-toxic, direct contact with eyes or prolonged skin contact should be avoided.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store citric acid monohydrate in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry environment away from moisture and strong bases. The product should be kept at temperatures below 25°C to maintain stability and prevent caking. Avoid storage near incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents. When properly stored, the product maintains its quality for extended periods, though containers should be resealed promptly after use to prevent moisture absorption.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers Citric Acid Monohydrate Food with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citric Acid Monohydrate (food) and what is it used for?
Citric Acid Monohydrate (C6H8O7·H2O, CAS 5949-29-1) is a white crystalline powder used as a food-grade acidulant and multifunctional ingredient. It is commonly used across industrial and laboratory settings for pH adjustment, buffering, chelation, and as a reagent in formulations and processing.
How should Citric Acid Monohydrate be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in a tightly closed, moisture‑resistant container away from strong bases and oxidizers. Under recommended storage (dry, <25°C) unopened food‑grade material typically retains specification for 24–36 months; refer to the supplier COA for exact shelf‑life details.
What safety precautions and personal protective equipment are recommended when handling citric acid monohydrate?
Avoid creating dust and prevent contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure; use safety glasses or goggles, chemical‑resistant gloves, and a dust mask or respirator if dust may form. In case of eye or skin contact, flush with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists; always consult the product SDS before handling.
What do the different concentrations and grades of citric acid monohydrate mean?
Concentration can refer to product purity (e.g., food‑grade typically ≥99.5%), or to prepared aqueous solution strength for processing use (various % w/w). Grades include food‑grade (FCC), pharmaceutical/USP‑type grades, and technical grades — check the COA and TDS to confirm purity and permitted uses.
What documentation is available for Citric Acid Monohydrate?
Suppliers commonly provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and statements for allergen, GMO, and country of origin; food‑grade lots may include FCC or other regulatory compliance declarations. Request microbiological and heavy‑metal test results when required for your application.
How is citric acid monohydrate typically shipped and packaged?
Food‑grade citric acid is shipped as a non‑hazardous powder in 25 kg or 50 lb bags, 500–1000 kg bulk bags (FIBCs), or in bulk tanker/distributor loads for liquid solutions. Packaging is available in food‑contact approved sacks or big bags with options for homogenous sealing and palletization; carrier and country rules may affect transport specifics.
Which materials is citric acid monohydrate compatible or incompatible with?
Citric acid is compatible with glass and many plastics such as HDPE, PP, and PTFE and with most stainless steels (e.g., 316). It can chelate metals and accelerate corrosion of carbon steel and aluminum, especially at elevated concentration and temperature, so avoid those materials for long‑term contact.
What are the key technical specifications for citric acid monohydrate?
Key specs include CAS 5949-29-1, formula C6H8O7·H2O, molar mass ≈210.14 g·mol−1, white crystalline powder, high water solubility, and typical food‑grade purity ≥99.5%. Exact limits for assay, moisture, sulfates, chloride, and heavy metals are provided on the product COA and vary by grade.
Which industries and applications commonly use food‑grade citric acid monohydrate?
Common end‑uses include food and beverage processing (as an ingredient or processing aid), cleaning and descaling, metal chelation in industrial processes, laboratory reagent uses, and formulation in cosmetics and personal‑care products. Specific application suitability and regulatory compliance depend on the grade and COA.
How can I purchase citric acid monohydrate and what is its availability?
Food‑grade citric acid is widely available from chemical distributors and manufacturers in standard pack sizes (25 kg bags, big bags, bulk) and in varying lot sizes; lead times depend on order quantity and location. Ask suppliers for COA, SDS, minimum order quantity, price breaks, and any food‑grade certifications required for your application.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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