Citric Acid Monohydrate is an important organic acid and multifunctional additive, renowned for its excellent chelating ability, pleasant acidity, and high safety profile. It plays a critical role in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The production primarily utilizes microbial fermentation, followed by crystallization and purification processes to obtain the monohydrate crystal form.
❋ Aliases: 3-Hydroxy-3-carboxypentanedioic Acid Monohydrate
❋ English Name: Citric Acid Monohydrate
❋ Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇·H₂O
❋ Molecular Weight: 210.14
❋ CAS Number: 5949-29-1
Key Properties: Mild and pleasant acidity, excellent chelating ability, high water solubility, good biocompatibility
Advanced Application Scenarios
1. "Flavor Enhancer and Preservative" in Food & Beverage
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Used in carbonated beverages as an acidulant, providing a refreshing sourness and stabilizing pH within 2.8-3.5.
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Acts as a synergist in antioxidant mixtures for oils and fats, extending shelf life by over 30%.
2. "Effervescent Reactant and Stabilizer" in Pharmaceuticals
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A key component in effervescent tablets and granules, reacting with carbonates to produce CO₂, ensuring rapid disintegration within 2 minutes.
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Used as a pH buffer and stabilizer in liquid formulations, such as syrups and injections, to maintain drug stability.
3. "Green Chelating Agent and Cleaning Booster" in Industrial & Household Cleaning
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Replaces phosphates in eco-friendly detergents, effectively chelating Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions, improving cleaning efficiency without causing eutrophication.
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Used in metal surface cleaning and passivation, removing oxides and enhancing corrosion resistance.
4. "Performance Modifier and Cross-linking Aid" in New Materials & Cosmetics
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Serves as a cross-linking agent and modifier in biodegradable polymer (e.g., PLA) synthesis, enhancing thermal stability and mechanical properties.
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Used as a pH adjuster and antioxidant in cosmetics (e.g., lotions, creams), ensuring skin compatibility and formulation stability.
Technological Breakthroughs and Sustainable Development
Fermentation Technology Innovation
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Developed high-yield strain screening and metabolic engineering technologies, increasing fermentation titers to over 200 g/L and reducing production costs by 25%.
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Implemented membrane filtration and continuous ion exchange purification processes, reducing water consumption by 40% and chemical usage by 30%.
Crystallization Process Optimization
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Adopted controlled cooling crystallization and ultrasonic-assisted technologies, achieving crystal size distribution (CSD) uniformity with over 90% of particles between 100-500 µm, improving flowability.
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Utilized fluidized bed drying for the monohydrate, precisely controlling moisture content between 7.5%-8.5% to prevent dehydration or caking.
Sustainability & Green Manufacturing
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Utilizes agricultural residues (e.g., molasses, cassava starch) as fermentation feedstocks, reducing reliance on grain-based raw materials.
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Implements a "Zero Liquid Discharge" (ZLD) system, recycling process wastewater and recovering valuable by-products like gypsum.
Quality Control & Compliance
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Upgraded to HPLC and ICP-MS for online quality monitoring, ensuring key impurity levels (e.g., oxalic acid ≤ 100 ppm, heavy metals ≤ 5 ppm).
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Complies with major international standards: USP, EP, FCC, and JECFA.
Technical Advantages
Quality Advantages
Physical Characteristics
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Appearance: White or almost white, crystalline powder
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Solubility: Very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96%)
Application Support
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Provides technical data sheets (TDS) and formulation advice for specific applications (e.g., optimal usage levels in beverages, compatibility in cleaning agents).
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Offers samples for customer trials and assists in troubleshooting processing issues.
