price citric acid

Physical and Chemical Properties of Citric Acid Citric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₈O₇ that is found naturally in many fruits, especially citrus fruits, but for the use of citric acid in soft drinks, industrial grade citric acid is used in bulk citric.

the citric acid in lavash and olives are also examples of citric acid in foods. This substance is a tricarboxylic acid, in its structure, formulas, and chemicals can be found in propane-1,2,3 tricarboxylic acid.

Citric acid can also be considered a functional metabolite for aerobic organisms. It acts as a food acidity regulator, a chelator, an antimicrobial agent, and an essential metabolite.

It also acts as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium in the blood. Citric acid appears as colorless, odorless crystals with an acidic (salty) taste and is denser than water.

Differences between citric acid and some chemical compounds

It can be said that the difference between citric acid and acetic acid is the greater complexity of the structure and the widespread use of acetic acid compared to citric acid in the industry.

Also, the difference between citric acid and lemon essence is that citric acid is a general term for this substance, In contrast, lemon essence specifically refers to citric acid extracted from lemons.

Difference between dry and aqueous citric acid

The difference between aqueous and dry citric acid can be expressed according to the application, structure, production method, and appearance.

Aqueous citric acid is usually in the form of crystals that contain water molecules in its structure, while dry citric acid powder does not contain water molecules in its structure.

Types of citric acid based on appearance

1- Powdered citric acid:

This type of citric acid is in the form of a white powder and dissolves easily in water.

Powdered citric acid has wide applications in various industries, including agriculture, due to its acidic and antioxidant properties.

It is noteworthy that the price of dry citric acid can vary depending on the type of packaging.

2- Granular citric acid:

This type of citric acid is in the form of fine grains and dissolves faster in water due to its greater contact surface.

3- Liquid citric acid:

Liquid citric acid is usually in the form of an aqueous solution and is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.The price of liquid citric acid is usually lower than that of dry citric acid.

Dry and Hydrated Citric Acid

Citric acid is found in two main forms: dry (anhydrous) and hydrated (hydrated). Dry citric acid is free of any water molecules and is a colorless powder or crystals.

In contrast, hydrated citric acid contains one water molecule for every citric acid molecule and is in the form of larger crystals. Both forms of citric acid are soluble in water and have a distinct sour taste.

The main difference between the two types is the amount of water in their structure and, consequently, some physical and chemical properties.

Both types of citric acid are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and detergent industries.

Choosing between dry or hydrated citric acid depends on the intended application and process conditions.

Reaction of citric acid with different species

Citric acid is a weak organic acid that is naturally found in many fruits, especially citrus fruits.

This acid reacts with many species and produces a variety of products. The reaction of citric acid with water is one of the ionization reactions, and during this reaction, hydrogen ions are produced.

Citric acid also acts as an antioxidant in the body and protects cells against free radical damage.

However, excessive amounts of citric acid can cause digestive damage including bloating, nausea, stomach ulcers, damage to tooth enamel, allergies, and kidney stones. Also, excessive consumption of citric acid during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage.

The reaction of citric acid with baking soda is also an acid-base reaction that produces water and carbon dioxide.

Also, in the reaction of citric acid with salt, the carboxyl groups in citric acid may form complexes with some of the metal ions in the salts.

Methods of producing citric acid

Citric acid is naturally found in many fruits, especially citrus fruits. However, for the industrial production of this substance, microbial fermentation methods are used, which are much more efficient and economical. As Erica Jolson, a nutritionist, says in an interview:

"Today, 99 percent of citric acid is produced through microbial fermentation, and only 1 percent of it is naturally obtained from citrus fruits."

Extraction from fruits: an old and inefficient method

The extraction steps in this method include preparing fruit juice, concentrating, crystallization, and purification, in which the crude citric acid crystals are purified by various methods such as recrystallization or using organic solvents.

Extracting citric acid from fruits is considered a simple and natural method, but due to the very low yield, very high cost, variability in the quality of the final product, and dependence on the season and the amount of mass fruit production, it is not a desirable method.

Microbial Fermentation: An Industrial and Efficient Method

The fermentation steps in this method include preparing a carbohydrate-rich culture medium along with other nutrients for fungal growth, surface or immersion fermentation, and isolation and purification.

During surface fermentation, which is an older method and is less commonly used today, the fungus Aspergillus niger grows on the surface of a solid culture medium.

Using the fermentation method, the production of citric acid from molasses is an important industrial process that is widely used due to its numerous advantages.

In contrast, in the immersion fermentation method, the fungus in question grows in a large tank containing a liquid culture medium, and this method is more widely used due to its higher efficiency and better process control.

However, this method also requires specialized equipment and there is a possibility of contamination by other microorganisms.

In addition to the type of fungus and culture medium, factors that affect the production of citric acid in the fermentation method include pH, temperature, aeration, and fermentation time.

Chemical reaction

Citric acid can also be produced by chemical reactions. Grimaux and Adam first synthesized it in 1880 using glycerol as the starting material, but this method was not economically competitive compared to other production routes, such as fermentation.

Therefore, microbial fermentation was recognized as a more successful option for producing citric acid than preparation through chemical reactions.

Wide applications of citric acid

Citric acid has very wide applications in various industries due to its unique chemical and physical properties.

This natural and safe substance plays an important role in improving the quality of products and production processes.

The following are some of the applications of citric acid in various industries:

Food industry

Among the prominent applications of citric acid in the food industry are pH adjustment and increasing solubility; this substance can also prevent undesirable reactions and play its role as a flavoring, preservative, and antioxidant.

Pharmaceutical industries

The pharmaceutical industries also use citric acid as a pH adjuster, flavoring agent, and complexing agent.

Cosmetics and health industries

Citric acid is the foaming agent in detergent products and also the exfoliating agent in some skin care products in the cosmetic and health industries.

Detergent industries

The widespread use of citric acid as a cleaner, chelator, and scale remover in the detergent industry cannot be ignored.

 Agricultural industries

Citric acid has been gaining attention in recent years as a valuable additive in agriculture.

Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it can also help improve plant growth and increase the quality of agricultural products.

According to researchers, citric acid plays an important role in agriculture by regulating soil pH, increasing plant nutrient uptake, and creating an unfavorable environment for harmful bacteria to grow.

Drilling Industries

In the drilling industry, citric acid is used as an important control agent in drilling fluids.

By adjusting the pH of the fluid, citric acid prevents corrosion of equipment and optimizes conditions for other chemical reactions.

It also helps improve drilling fluid performance and extend equipment life by removing calcium deposits and stabilizing polymers.

In addition, citric acid, due to its chelating properties, can remove troublesome metal ions from the fluid and prevent the formation of deposits.

Overall, citric acid, as an environmentally friendly and safe chemical, plays an important role in improving the drilling process and reducing costs.

Top 10 Citric Acid Suppliers in Iran

In Iran, many chemical companies are active in the production and supply of citric acid. The table below lists some of the top citric acid suppliers.

 The most important brands of citric acid

Among the most important brands of citric acid are Dr. Mojalali, Merck, Neutron, Cargill, JOVAIN, ENSIGN, and TTCA ADM (Archer Daniels Midland).

A guide to buying the right citric acid

Citric acid is used as a widely used chemical in various industries, including food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, and detergent industries. to buy the right citric acid, you should pay attention to things such as the purity of citric acid, the required amount, the type of packaging, and the price.

In addition, choosing a reputable and experienced manufacturer is also a guarantee of product quality.

Product Quality

The quality of citric acid is one of the most important factors in choosing the right product. Citric acid with high purity and free of impurities is essential for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Factors affecting the quality of citric acid include purity, particle size, presence of other impurities, pH, odor, and color.

The quality of citric acid can be assessed with the help of such things as a certificate of analysis, sampling, national and international standards, and the manufacturer.

Packaging and storage of citric acid

Citric acid is usually produced in powder or granular form and is supplied in various packaging.

Plastic bags are typically made of acid-resistant materials to prevent leakage and contamination of small to medium quantities of citric acid.

Large, durable bags called jumbo bags are used to transport large quantities of citric acid.

Plastic barrels, which are usually made of high-density polyethylene materials, are also used to store and transport citric acid on an industrial scale.

Principled packaging

Maintaining product quality, preventing contamination, and ensuring safety during transportation are very important.

Plastic bags, laminated bags, plastic drums, and jumbo bags are among the most common citric acid packaging.

Choosing the right type of packaging depends on factors such as the amount of product, its application, transportation conditions, and safety standards.

Compliance with these standards ensures that high-quality and safe citric acid reaches the consumer and prevents any contamination, tearing, or change in its properties.

Citric acid packaging should be made of quality materials that are resistant to moisture, light, and air absorption to prevent product deterioration.

It should also be designed to be easy to transport and handle. The packaging should include complete information, including the product name, net weight, production date, expiration date, batch number, storage condition, and warning symbols if necessary.

Storage, loading, and delivery

Citric acid is a widely used chemical and it is very important to observe safety precautions during its storage, loading, and delivery.

Citric acid should be stored in a cool and dry environment, away from direct light and incompatible materials, in suitable packaging and resistant containers.

When loading citric acid, attention should be paid to issues such as correct packaging, ensuring the strength of the load using appropriate equipment, and observing safety regulations.

In addition to the above, when delivering citric acid, safety precautions should be taught to the recipient, packaging should be re-checked, delivery should be in a dry and shaded place and delivery information should be recorded.

Buying and selling citric acid

Buying and selling industrial and edible citric acid requires attention to certain points to ensure that the product is of high quality and suitable for the intended use.

Buying from reputable sources, paying attention to production and expiration dates, storage conditions, and safety issues are among the important points that should be considered when buying bulk citric acid.

When selling citric acid, attention should also be paid to product quality, competitive price, after-sales service, and compliance with laws.

You can contact Shimico experts at the citric acid sales agency to obtain citric acid with the best quality and most reasonable price.

Competitive price

The price of citric acid, like any other product, is affected by various factors, including quality, purchase quantity, manufacturer brand, market fluctuations, type (juicy or dry), grade (food or industrial), and transportation costs.

To achieve a competitive price, it is necessary to understand these factors and conduct sufficient research.

The price of Iranian citric acid is usually more affordable than foreign brands such as Merck.

The price of Jovin citric acid is also very competitive in the Iranian market and is known as one of the popular brands.

Among foreign brands, the price of Merck citric acid is usually higher than other brands due to its high quality and international standards;

for example, the price of Chinese citric acid is more reasonable due to mass production, although it may have lower quality in some cases.

Also, between the industrial and food categories, the price of food citric acid is higher than industrial citric acid due to higher standards.

Also, the price of aqueous citric acid is usually lower than dry citric acid.