Citric acid
Synonyms
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-;
Citric acid, anhydrous;
FEMA No. 2306;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Tricarboxylate
>>> Citrate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 77-92-9
EINECS: 201-069-1
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C6H8O7
Molecular Weight: 192.12
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), colorless crystal.
Solubility soluble in water.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: corrosion; flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
903mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intravenous LD50 |
42mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse oral LD50 |
5040mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse subcutaneous LD50 |
2700mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit intravenous LD50 |
330mg/kg[1] |
|
rabbit oral LDLo |
7000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat intraperitoneal LD50 |
290mg/kg[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
3000mg/kg[1] |
|
rat subcutaneous LD50 |
5500mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent cleansing, dispersing, chelating abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 1886.235 Food safety national standard -- Food additive -- Citric acid
(1b), GB/T 8269 Citric acid
(1c), Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition) Anhydrous Citric Acid
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as cleansing agent.
Use as auxiliary cleansing agent.
Use as chelating agent.
2, Personal care products
Chelating agent, buffering agent, masking agent in personal care products.
* * * * * *
Further information:
(1), In accordance with Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) of China, be included in the restricted components.
Maximum content is 6% (as acid).
The pH value of the product is greater than or equal to 3.5 (except rinse-off hair products).
Used in non-sunscreen cosmetics, when content is greater than or equal to 3.0% (as acid) or when the label claims to contain it, this label should be noted that this product is used in conjunction with sunscreen cosmetics.
3, Industrial cleaning, household cleaning
Auxiliary cleansing agent, cleansing agent, chelating agent in industrial cleaning, household cleaning.
4, Food
Use as food additive (acidity regulator, perfume).
5, Medicine
Pharmaceutic adjuvant, use as pH regulator, stabilizer, acidifier. (This section is for reference only, should be implemented according to local Pharmacopoeia.)
6, Organic synthesis
Use as intermediate in organic synthesis.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 77-92-9, Citric acid, anhydrous
Update: 20140309(1); 20181015(2);