CAS: 77-92-9
Citric Acid is the naturally occurring organic acid that significantly plays its role in Home, Industrial & Institutional Cleaning (HI&I) due to its eco-friendly, harmless properties. Derived mostly from citrus fruits, Citric Acid dissolves hard mineral deposits, water spots, and rust stains, thus finding its way into a multitude of cleaners. Its mild acidity allows safe use in everything from household cleaners to industrial solutions.
In the HI&I industry, Citric Acid is an effective substitute for harsh chemicals, enabling sustainability without forfeiting the power to clean. For its chelating properties, it binds with metal ions and thus contributes to effective cleaning. Being bio-based and biodegradable, it is being actively researched, accompanying the move toward greener, more sustainable categories.
Description and Properties
● CAS: 77-92-9
● Molecular Formula: C6H8O7
● Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules
● Solubility: Highly soluble in water
● pH Adjuster: Helps regulate the acidity or alkalinity in cleaning products
● Chelating Agent: Binds metal ions, making detergents and cleaners more effective
● Descaler: Removes mineral deposits, rust, and limescale from surfaces
● Biodegradable: Safe for the environment and a natural alternative to synthetic chemicals
Citric acid serves as one of the tried and tested cleaning agents in hospital, industrial, and institutional cleaning and thus has gained its stature among cleaning products being developed. Its nontoxicity, rapid biodegradability, and formulated characteristics meet the growing demand for ecofriendly and sustainable cleaning solutions that provide for successfully meeting performance and corporate social responsibility objectives.
Citric acid found in a diverse industry sector has been used mainly in HI&I and for acidulating, chelating, and preserving.
● Plastics and rubber: Citric acid acts as a plasticizer, and stabilizer for polymers improving product quality.
● Oil and gas: Used as a cleaning agent for scale removal and also promotes efficiency while drilling.
● Construction: One of its usages is a retarder in the mixing of concrete to provide an extended setting time and thus improved workability.
● Personal care: Citric acid is used in cosmetics and skincare products as a pH adjuster and exfoliating agent.
● CASE: Used in controlling the pH and inhibiting corrosion in order to stabilize formulations.
● Lubricants and greases: Prevents corrosion of metal and abides fluid media stability increasing performance.
● Food and nutrition: In food and beverages, citric acid is primarily an antistaling agent.
● Pharmaceuticals: Citric acid is known as the excipient for some medicines and an elemental formulation in effervescent tablets.
● Agriculture: Added in fertilizers and soil supplements brought forth the possibility of neutralizing the high pH in alkaline soils.