CITRIC ACID ANHYDROUS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Chemical 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propane
Description tricarboxylic acid

IUPAC Name 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-

tricarboxylic acid

EINECS 2010691
Number

EC Number E 330

CAS Registration No. 77-92-9

Molecular C6H8O7
Formula

Structural Formula

CH2 COOH

HO C COOH

CH2 COOH

The information contained herein was produced by the European Citric Acid Manufacturers'
Association (ECAMA) a Sector Group of CEFIC.

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 CITRIC ACID

GENERAL INFORMATION

Form Crystals

Colour Colourless

Odour Odourless

CALORIFIC DATA - Citric Acid Anhydrous

Heat of Solution 28 cal or 117 J/g

(Endothermic)

Heat of Neutralization 265 cal or 1109 J/g

(Exothermic) (Sodium Hydroxide)

Heat of Combustion 2.44 kcal or 10.2 kJ/g

Calorific Value 3 kcal or 12.5 kJ/g

SOLUBILITY of Citric Acid versus Temperature

Temperature (°C) Anhydrous (% w/w) Monohydrate (% w/w)

10 54.0 59.1
20 59.2 64.7
30 64.3 70.3
36.6 67.3 73.6
40 68.6 75.0
50 70.9 77.5
60 73.5 80.4
70 76.2 83.3
80 78.8 86.2
90 81.4 89.0
100 84.8 92.8

Dissociation Constants of Citric Acid (25°C)

pK1 = 3.13
pK2 = 4.76
pK3 = 6.40
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 CITRIC ACID

Basic information for safety data sheets according

to Commission Directive 2001/58/EC.
For more detailed information please refer to
the safety data sheets of the individual manufacturers

1. Substance Identification

Citric Acid Anhydrous Citric Acid Monohydrate

C6H8O7 C6H8O7.H2O

E 330 E 330

EINECS 2010691 EINECS 2010691

CAS 77-92-9 CAS 5949-29-11

FOR USE IN FOOD FOR USE IN FOOD

Made in:

Manufactured by:

Emergency Telephone Number

2. Composition

Citric Acid Anhydrous Typically 100%

Citric Acid Monohydrate Typically 91.4% Citric Acid Anhydrous

Typically 8.6% Water

3. Hazard Identification Xi Irritant (St. Andrew’s Cross)

R 36 Irritating to eyes
S 26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse
immediately with plenty of water
and seek medical advice.

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 CITRIC ACID

Basic information for safety data sheets according

to Commission Directive 2001/58/EC.
For more detailed information please refer to
the safety data sheets of the individual manufacturers

4. First Aid Measures In case of contact with eyes, rinse

immediately with plenty of water and
seek medical advice.

5. Fire Fighting Measures Citric Acid needs external heat to

burn. All types of fire extinguisher
are suitable.

6. Accidental Release Measures After spillage collect solids, and flush

with water or neutralising solution as
required.

7. Handling and Storage Avoid generating dust. Store in

closed containers in a cool and dry
place : 30°C maximum, 70% relative
humidity maximum.

8. Personal Precautions Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Avoid breathing dust.

Personal Protection Respiratory Protection : Dust Mask

Eye Protection: Goggles or Safety
Glasses.
Hand Protection : Gloves

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 CITRIC ACID

Basic information for safety data sheets according

to Commission Directive 2001/58/EC.
For more detailed information please refer to
the safety data sheets of the individual manufacturers

9. Physico-Chemical Properties

Appearance Crystal
Colour Colourless
Odour Odourless

Anhydrous Monohydrate

Molecular Weight 192.12 210.14

Melting Point 153°C Loss of water above

135°C. 153°C melting
commences

Density (Crystal) 1.665 g/cm3 1.542 g/cm2

Bulk Density granular 850 - 950 kg/m3 850 - 905 kg/m3

powder 570 - 670 kg/m3 570 - 670 kg/m3

Water Solubility (25°C) 61.8% w/w 67.6% w/w

Ethanol Solubility (25°C) 38.3% w/w 41.9% w/w

pH solution of 5% (25°C) 1.8 1.8

Flash Point 345°C 345°C

Explosive Properties Class 1 Class 0

(Dust Only)

Flammability Requires external heat to burn.

Thermal Decomposition Above 153°C may evolve Carbon Monoxide and

Carbon Dioxide.

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 CITRIC ACID

Basic information for safety data sheets according

to Commission Directive 2001/58/EC.
For more detailed information please refer to
the safety data sheets of the individual manufacturers

10. Stability and Reactivity Citric Acid Anhydrous is stable if stored under
cool and dry conditions: 30°C maximum, 70%
relative humidity maximum.

Citric Acid reacts with alkaline substances to

generate heat. Aqueous solutions have
corrosive effects on metals including carbon
steels, 304 stainless steel, copper, aluminium
and zinc alloys. This may result in the formation
of hydrogen to produce explosive mixtures.
These solutions also decompose cement-based
products and attack some plastics such as nylon,
polycarbonates, polyamides, polyimides or
acrylics.

11. Toxicological Information LD50 (rat) Intraperitoneal 883 mg/kg (2)

Oral 11,700 mg/kg (1)
LD50 (mouse) Intraperitoneal 961 mg/kg (2)
Intravenous 42 mg/kg (1)
Oral 5,040 mg/kg (1)

References :
(1) H.T. Yokotani et al,
J. Takeda Res. Lab 30 (1) 25 (1971)
(2) C.M. Gruber & W.A. Halbeisen
J. Pharmac. Exp. Ther. 94 65 (1948)
(3) FDA 223-75-2004 (1977)

12. Ecotoxical Information COD 750 ± 50 mg O2/g

BOD5 625 ± 50 mg O2/g

DIN 38412 Part 5 Bacteriatoxicity EC0 10,000 mg/l

DIN 38412 Part 15 (OECD 203) Fishtoxicity LD50 440 to 706 mg/l
DIN 38412 Part 25 (OECD 302B) Biodegradability 98% within 2* to 24 hours

* Ref. P. Creach: C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris

240 2551 (1955)

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CITRIC ACID

Basic information for safety data sheets according

to Commission Directive 2001/58/EC.
For more detailed information please refer to
the safety data sheets of the individual manufacturers
13. Disposal Considerations Suitable for incineration, landfill or may be disposed of
after neutralisation with normal sewage according to
local legislation.

14. Transport Information No special considerations.

15. Regulatory Information Citric Acid Anhydrous and Monohydrate are EC

permitted Food Additives (E 330) conditions of use :
Quantum Satis. The US Food and Drug
Administration classifies Citric Acid as a GRAS
(Generally Recognised As Safe) Food ingredient.

According to the Joint Expert Committee on Food

Additives of the WHO/FAO Citric Acid Anhydrous and
Monohydrate may be used without specified limitation
according to good manufacturing practice.

Classification and Labelling of Dangerous Substances

according to Directive 67/548/EEC and Amendments.

Xi Irritant
R36 Irritating to eyes
S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse
immediately with plenty of water and seek
medical advice.

References:
ECAMA Internal Report 1998
Citric Acid has irritancy equivalent to Fumaric Acid see
Annex 1 Directive 67/548/EEC.
Water Hazard Class (Germany) : 0
Directive 67/548/EEC Annex 7, Non toxic to the
Environment.

The information contained herein was produced by the European Citric Acid Manufacturers’
Association (ECAMA) a Sector Group of CEFIC.

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