General Information
Citric acid anhydrous, a ubiquitous organic acid, is a vital compound with extensive applications across various industries. Its versatility and multifunctionality make it indispensable in food and beverage production, pharmaceutical formulations, and industrial processes. As a natural acidulant, flavor enhancer, and chelating agent, citric acid anhydrous contributes to the quality and stability of numerous consumer goods and industrial products.
Widely recognized for its tart flavor and preservative properties, citric acid anhydrous is a key ingredient in many formulations. Its significance extends beyond its chemical composition, influencing sensory attributes and functional characteristics in diverse applications.
Specifications
Citric acid anhydrous typically presents as colorless crystals or a white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water and has a sour taste. The compound’s purity often exceeds 99%, meeting stringent quality standards for pharmaceutical and food-grade applications. Additionally, citric acid anhydrous conforms to regulatory specifications, ensuring its suitability for various industrial processes.
It is available in granular and powder forms, with custom granulations available upon request. Packaging options include 25 kg net polyethylene (LDPE) bags or 1000 kg net polypropylene big bags, with specifications available upon request.
One of sodium gluconate’s remarkable qualities is its exceptional chelating ability, particularly in alkaline solutions. It forms stable chelates with various heavy metals like calcium, iron, copper, and aluminum, surpassing other chelating agents such as EDTA and NTA.
Solutions of sodium gluconate resist oxidation and reduction, even under high temperatures, though it biodegrades easily (98% within 2 days) without posing wastewater issues.
Moreover, sodium gluconate acts as a highly efficient retarder for setting and a good plasticizer/water reducer in concrete, mortar, and gypsum.
Properties
- Colorless crystals or white crystalline powder
- Highly soluble in water
- Sour taste
- High purity exceeding 99%
- Meets pharmaceutical and food-grade standards
Primary Functions
- Acidulant and flavor enhancer in food and beverages
- Chelating agent and pH adjuster in industrial processes
Applications
Citric acid anhydrous serves as a natural acidulant and flavor enhancer in a wide range of food and beverage products, including soft drinks, jams, and confectionery items. Its ability to enhance tartness and preserve freshness makes it indispensable in food processing.
Widely used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, citric acid anhydrous helps adjust pH levels and improve the stability of medications. Its chelating properties also aid in enhancing the solubility of certain drugs, contributing to their efficacy and bioavailability.
Citric acid anhydrous plays a significant role in industrial applications such as water treatment, metal cleaning, and cosmetics production. Its properties as a chelating agent and pH adjuster contribute to efficient processes and product quality improvement.
