Chemical laboratory

Citric Acid Solution

Versatile pH Adjuster and Descaling Agent

  • CAS 77-92-9
  • Formula C₆H₈O₇
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.665 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 175 °C (decomposes) °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.665 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 59.2 g/100 mL (20 °C) -
Ph 2.2 (1% solution) -
Molecular weight 192.12 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 153 °C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Citric Acid Solution is a clear, colorless liquid derived from citric acid (C₆H₈O₇), a naturally occurring organic acid widely used across industrial manufacturing processes. With excellent water solubility and a pH of 2.2 in 1% solution, this versatile chemical serves as an effective acidic agent for pH adjustment, metal treatment, and cleaning applications. Its non-toxic nature and biodegradable properties make it a preferred choice over harsher mineral acids in many industrial processes.

Key Applications

  • Metal Descaling and Rust Removal: Effectively removes scale, rust, and mineral deposits from metal surfaces in manufacturing equipment, heat exchangers, and boiler systems without causing excessive corrosion damage.
  • pH Control and Buffering: Provides precise pH adjustment in manufacturing processes, water treatment systems, and chemical formulations where controlled acidity is essential for product quality and process efficiency.
  • Chelating and Cleaning Agent: Functions as a powerful chelating agent to bind metal ions, making it valuable in cleaning formulations, sanitizers, and corrosion inhibition systems across various industries.
  • Analytical Applications: Used in laboratory titrations and analytical procedures where a reliable organic acid standard is required for accurate measurements and quality control testing.

Safety & Handling

Citric Acid Solution is non-flammable with no flash point, autoignition temperature, or significant vapor pressure concerns. However, as an acidic solution, proper personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing should be worn during handling. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to prevent inhalation of any mists or vapors. In case of skin or eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store Citric Acid Solution in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use corrosion-resistant containers such as plastic or stainless steel, avoiding contact with aluminum and other reactive metals. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination and maintain solution concentration. The product should be stored away from strong bases and oxidizing agents to prevent unwanted reactions.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable citric acid solution supply from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight services for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure you receive consistent, high-quality product that meets your specifications and regulatory requirements.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is citric acid solution and what is it used for?
Citric acid solution is an aqueous form of the organic acid used as an acidic agent and chelating agent in industrial and laboratory settings. Typical uses include scale and rust removal, metal surface conditioning, pH adjustment, cleaning formulations, and laboratory reagent applications.
How should citric acid solution be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store in a tightly closed, corrosion-resistant container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong bases and oxidizers. Unopened product is typically stable for 12–24 months; consult the supplier’s certificate of analysis (COA) or technical data sheet (TDS) for batch-specific shelf-life information.
What safety precautions and personal protective equipment are recommended when handling citric acid solution?
Use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact, and avoid inhaling mists or aerosols. In case of contact, flush affected area with water and follow the supplier’s safety data sheet (SDS) for first-aid and spill-response procedures.
How do the 50% and 25% citric acid solutions differ in performance and hazards?
A 50% solution is stronger, provides faster descaling and stronger chelation but is more acidic and potentially more corrosive to reactive metals; a 25% solution is milder and better suited for applications requiring gentler pH adjustment or lower corrosivity. Choose concentration based on required reaction rate, material compatibility, and safety controls.
What documentation is available for citric acid solution before purchase?
Suppliers typically provide a safety data sheet (SDS), certificate of analysis (COA) showing batch assay and impurities, and a technical data sheet (TDS) with recommended uses and handling instructions. Request these documents to verify compliance, specifications, and safe-use information prior to acceptance.
How is citric acid solution packaged and shipped?
Common packaging includes HDPE drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs/totes), and smaller plastic jerrycans; palletized shipments are normal for bulk orders. Citric acid solutions are generally non-hazardous for transport in typical concentrations, but always confirm shipping classification, labeling, and packaging requirements with your carrier and supplier.
What materials is citric acid solution compatible with and which should be avoided?
Citric acid solution is compatible with stainless steels (304/316), polypropylene, polyethylene (HDPE), PTFE, and many elastomers used in chemical handling. Avoid prolonged contact with aluminum, galvanized steel, brass, zinc, and some reactive metals, as citric acid can chelate or corrode these materials.
What technical specifications should I check for citric acid solutions?
Key specifications include declared concentration (w/w %), appearance (clear/colorless), assay/purity, pH range, density, and limits for heavy metals or other impurities; a COA will provide batch-specific values. Ask the supplier for target spec sheets or tolerances if you require precise control for process-critical applications.
Which industries and applications commonly use citric acid solution?
Common industries include industrial cleaning and maintenance, metalworking and surface treatment, water treatment, chemical manufacturing, and research laboratories. Typical applications are descaling, rust removal, metal passivation, pH adjustment, and use as a laboratory reagent or buffer component.
How can I purchase citric acid solution and what are typical lead times and minimum order quantities?
Citric acid solution is available directly from chemical suppliers in standard strengths (25% and 50%) and in bulk packaging; many suppliers also offer custom concentrations and sample quantities. Lead times and minimum order quantities vary by supplier and location—contact vendors for pricing, availability, delivery options, and any required documentation.

Documentation & Downloads

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

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