Citric acid
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| Names | |
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| IUPAC name
2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
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| Other names
3-carboxy-3-hydroxypentanedioic acid
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| Identifiers | |
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3D model (JSmol)
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| ChEBI | |
| ChEMBL | |
| ChemSpider | |
| DrugBank | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.973 |
| E number | E330 (antioxidants, ...) |
| KEGG | |
PubChem CID
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| C6H8O7 | |
| Molar mass | 192.124 g/mol (anhydrous) 210.14 g/mol (monohydrate) |
| Appearance | crystalline white solid |
| Density | 1.665 g/cm3(1.5g/cm3 for monohydrate) |
| Melting point | 153 °C (307 °F; 426 K) |
| Boiling point | 175 °C (347 °F; 448 K) |
| 73 g/100 ml (20 °C) | |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa1 = 3.09 pKa2 = 4.75 pKa3 = 5.41 [1] |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | skin and eye irritant |
| Related compounds | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
 verify (what is   ?)
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| Infobox references | |
Citric acid is a weak organic acid. It can be found in citrus fruits ( like oranges). It acts like a preservative. It is also used to add a sour (acidic) taste to foods and soft drinks. In the European Union it is known as E 330, as a food additive.
Carl Wilhelm Scheele was the first who could extract citric acid from lemons, in 1782. The substance was probably known to alchemists, perhaps with a different name. The Arabian alchemist Geber is said to have discovered citric acid in the 9th century. Citric Acid contains 6 Carbon atoms, 8 Hydrogen atoms and 7 Oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is C6H8O7.
Main uses
- As a water softener
- It is often used in detergents, to avoid the smell of acid, esp. Acetic acid
- As a preserving agent
- Citric acid and its salts prevent blood clotting. Blood donations are kept liquid using citric acid.
References
- ↑ Dawson, R. M. C.; et al. (1959). Data for Biochemical Research. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
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