Technical · Chemical Supplier

Citric Acid

A pre-dissolved 25% citric acid solution that meters straight into dosing pumps for descaling, passivation, wastewater pH control, and CIP cleaning. From 1 quart to 330 gallon.

77-92-9 CAS Number
7 Pack Sizes
$20.93 Starting At

Citric Acid 25% Solution

CAS 77-92-9 Technical 7 sizes: 1 Quart – 330 Gallon In stock

From$20.93
Shop citric acid
Need double strength? Citric Acid 50% Solution starts at $21.00 in the same sizes. View product
01

Overview

What it is and who buys it

Citric acid 25% solution is a ready-to-use liquid form of citric acid (CAS 77-92-9) diluted to a consistent 25% concentration in water, supplied as Technical grade. Citric acid is a weak, triprotic organic acid found naturally in citrus fruit, and this solution delivers its acidity and chelating power without the dissolving step required for dry powder.

The key advantage is convenience and consistency: because the concentration is fixed at 25%, every batch meters predictably into dosing pumps and automated feed systems, eliminating undissolved solids, batch-to-batch variation, and the dust exposure that comes with handling powder. That makes it well suited to continuous industrial dosing and cleaning operations.

  • Active: citric acid, 25% by weight
  • CAS: 77-92-9
  • Form: clear, colorless to pale liquid
02

Grades & Forms

Choosing the right specification

This product is a Technical grade 25% citric acid solution, a liquid rather than a powder. It is formulated for industrial cleaning, metal finishing, and water-treatment dosing where a stable, pre-diluted acid stream is preferred over on-site mixing of dry citric acid.

Choosing a solution over powder pays off wherever accuracy and speed matter:

  • No dissolving step — draw it straight from the container into your process
  • Consistent concentration — 25% every time, so dosing calculations stay fixed
  • Pump-ready — meters cleanly through chemical dosing pumps with no grit or slurry
  • Less dust — reduces airborne exposure compared with handling powder

Available from 1 quart for testing up through pails, drums, and 330 gallon totes for high-volume continuous feed. Match the package to your consumption rate and dosing infrastructure.

Every grade & strength we stock

All 6 active products in this family, live from our catalog. Same chemical, different certification and concentration — pick what your process actually requires.

03

Applications

Where it earns its keep

Citric acid 25% solution is used wherever a mild organic acid and chelating agent is dosed as a liquid. Because it arrives pre-dissolved, it excels in metered and continuous applications:

  • Descaling — removes calcium, lime, and mineral scale from heat exchangers, boilers, membranes, and process lines.
  • Stainless steel passivation — citric-acid passivation is a recognized alternative to nitric acid for restoring the passive chromium-oxide layer on stainless parts.
  • Wastewater and process pH adjustment — lowers pH in a controlled, pump-metered fashion for neutralization and treatment.
  • CIP (clean-in-place) cleaning — an acid-cycle cleaner for tanks, piping, and process equipment that dissolves mineral and metal-oxide deposits.
  • Chelation and water conditioning — sequesters metal ions to prevent scale and staining in formulations and rinse water.

The fixed concentration keeps dosing rates predictable across all of these.

04

Storage

Containers, temperature, compatibility

Store citric acid 25% solution in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from freezing and direct sunlight. As a liquid, it is convenient to store and dispense but should be kept from temperature extremes that can affect the container or promote microbial growth.

Because it is a mild acid, use acid-compatible materials for storage and transfer. Suitable materials include HDPE, polypropylene, and many fluoropolymers; avoid mild steel and materials attacked by weak acids.

  • Keep away from strong bases and strong oxidizers
  • Protect from freezing, which can affect the solution
  • Keep containers sealed to limit evaporation and contamination
  • Store away from food and feed materials

Return transfer equipment to a clean state after use and reseal partial containers to maintain solution quality.

05

Shelf Life

How long it stays in spec

An unopened citric acid 25% solution typically remains usable for about 1 to 2 years when stored sealed in a cool, dry place away from contamination and freezing. Citric acid itself is chemically stable, so the practical limit on a dilute aqueous solution is usually microbial growth or contamination rather than breakdown of the acid.

To maximize usable life:

  • Keep containers tightly closed and avoid introducing contaminants
  • Use clean, dedicated transfer equipment
  • Store away from heat and direct sunlight
  • Do not allow the solution to freeze

If the solution shows cloudiness, sediment, or odor, evaluate it before use. For quality-controlled operations, verify concentration by titration or specific gravity if the material has been stored for an extended period.

06

Handling & Safety

PPE and safe work practice

Handle citric acid 25% solution as a mild acid: wear chemical splash goggles and acid-resistant gloves, and avoid contact with skin and eyes. Although far less aggressive than mineral acids, the solution is acidic and can irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, especially with prolonged contact.

Provide adequate ventilation and avoid creating mists during transfer or spraying in CIP systems. Keep an eyewash station accessible where the solution is used.

  • Eyes: flush with water for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
  • Skin: rinse with water; remove contaminated clothing
  • Inhalation of mist: move to fresh air
  • Ingestion: rinse mouth and seek medical advice

Do not mix with strong bases or oxidizers, which can react. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet and follow site procedures before use.

07

Disposal & Compliance

End-of-life done right

Dispose of citric acid 25% solution in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; it is a biodegradable weak organic acid and is not a listed RCRA hazardous waste, but the generator remains responsible for the waste determination. Because it is acidic, discharge may require neutralization and pH adjustment to meet local sewer limits before release.

For transport, citric acid 25% solution is generally not classified as a DOT hazardous material and ships as standard non-hazmat ground freight from Taylor, TX. This product ships in 1-2 business days.

  • Neutralize spills and dilute per local discharge permits
  • Contain and absorb larger spills; prevent entry to storm drains
  • Retain the SDS and verify local pH discharge limits

Confirm your facility's wastewater permit conditions, since acceptable discharge pH and volume vary by jurisdiction.

Why Buy From Alliance Chemical

  • Supplying industry since 1998
  • Certified HWOSB small business
  • CAGE Code 1LT50
  • Ships in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX
  • COA & SDS available with every order
  • Volume pricing from quarts to totes

Browse the full Organic Acids collection, pull documentation from our SDS library, or request a volume quote for drums and totes.

Citric Acid 25% Solution — Frequently Asked Questions

Why buy a 25% solution instead of citric acid powder?

A 25% solution is already dissolved, so it meters directly into dosing pumps and CIP systems with no mixing step, no undissolved solids, and no powder dust. The concentration is fixed at 25%, so your dosing calculations stay constant batch to batch. For continuous descaling, passivation, or pH control, that consistency and convenience usually outweigh the lower shipping weight of powder.

What concentration and grade is this citric acid?

It is a Technical grade citric acid solution at 25% citric acid by weight in water (CAS 77-92-9), supplied as a clear liquid. Technical grade suits industrial cleaning, passivation, and water-treatment dosing. The fixed 25% concentration means you can set dosing rates once and rely on them, rather than re-checking strength as you would when dissolving powder on site.

Can I use this for stainless steel passivation?

Yes. Citric acid is a recognized alternative to nitric acid for passivating stainless steel, restoring the passive chromium-oxide layer after machining or fabrication. This 25% solution provides a ready-to-use, pump-metered acid source for that process. Confirm the specific concentration, temperature, and contact time your passivation specification requires, and dilute further if your procedure calls for a lower working strength.

What sizes does the citric acid solution come in?

It is available from 1 quart up through pails, drums, and 330 gallon totes, all at the same 25% concentration. Choose 1 quart for testing and small jobs, mid-range containers for routine cleaning and dosing, and totes for high-volume continuous feed such as ongoing wastewater pH control or large CIP operations. Match the package to your consumption rate and storage.

How should I store the solution and how long does it last?

Store it sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in acid-compatible containers such as HDPE or polypropylene, and protect it from freezing and sunlight. Unopened, it typically stays usable for about 1 to 2 years; the limiting factor for a dilute aqueous solution is usually contamination or microbial growth rather than breakdown of the citric acid itself.

Is the citric acid solution hazardous to ship?

No. Citric acid 25% solution is generally not classified as a DOT hazardous material, so it ships as standard non-hazmat ground freight from our Taylor, TX facility and ships in 1-2 business days. It is a mild organic acid, so handle it with gloves and goggles, but it does not require hazmat freight arrangements for delivery.

Ready to order citric acid?

Every order ships with SDS documentation, and a COA is available on request. Volume pricing applies automatically as sizes go up.