What is anhydrous citric acid?
Anhydrous citric acid is a colorless translucent crystal or white granule or white crystalline powder, often containing a molecule of crystal water, odorless, very sour taste, soluble in water, alcohol and ethanol.
Uses of Anhydrous Citric Acid
It should be used in food and beverage industry as sour agent, acidity regulator, flavoring agent, preservative, and preservative. It is also used as antioxidant, plasticizer and detergent in chemical industry, cosmetic industry and washing industry.
Application of Anhydrous Citric Acid
1. Food industry
Because anhydrous citric acid has a mild and refreshing sour taste, it is widely used in the manufacture of various beverages, soft drinks, wine, candies, snacks, biscuits, canned juices, dairy products and other foods. In the market of all organic acids, citric acid has a market share of more than 70%, and so far there is no sour agent that can replace citric acid. One molecule of crystalline water, citric acid, is mainly used as an acidic flavoring agent in cool drinks, fruit juices, jams, fruit sugar and canned food, and can also be used as an antioxidant in edible oils. At the same time, it improves the sensory properties of food, enhances appetite and promotes the digestion and absorption of calcium and phosphorus substances in the body. Anhydrous citric acid is widely used in solid beverages. Salts of citric acid such as calcium citrate and ferric citrate are fortifiers that need to add calcium ions and iron ions in some foods. Esters of citric acid such as triethyl citrate can be used as non-toxic plasticizers to make plastic films for food packaging, sour agents and preservatives in the beverage and food industries.
Anhydrous Citric Acid is a commonly used food additive in the food industry, which plays an important role in a variety of foods and beverages. The following are the specific applications of Anhydrous Citric Acid in the food industry:
1. Flavoring agent
Anhydrous Citric Acid is widely used as a sour flavoring agent. It enhances the acidity of food and beverages, providing a pleasant mouthfeel. Whether it's a carbonated drink, fruit juice, candy, or condiment, it may contain Anhydrous Citric Acid to enhance its taste.
2. Antioxidants
As a natural antioxidant, Anhydrous Citric Acid can help extend the shelf life of foods. It helps inhibit oxidation, which slows down the rate at which food spoils.
3. Food acidity regulator
Anhydrous Citric Acid can be used to adjust the acid-base balance of foods so that they reach the desired acidity level. This is critical to maintaining food stability, taste and color.
4. Adjust the flavor
In some cases, Anhydrous Citric Acid can neutralize or balance the taste of other ingredients in a food, creating a more balanced and pleasing flavor profile.
5. Food color retention
During food processing, Anhydrous Citric Acid can help preserve the color of fruits and vegetables. It prevents discoloration of food, thereby maintaining the visual appeal of food.
6. Gels and viscous agents
Anhydrous Citric Acid is used as a gel and thickener in certain food preparations, such as jellies and jams. It helps to give foods the desired texture and mouthfeel.
7. Beverage stabilizer
In beverages, Anhydrous Citric Acid can help maintain the stability of suspended matter, ensuring that ingredients are evenly distributed and do not settle.
Anhydrous Citric Acid is an indispensable multifunctional food additive in the food industry. Not only does it enhance the taste and texture of foods, it can also help extend shelf life and maintain the appearance of foods. However, when using Anhydrous Citric Acid, food regulations and safety standards need to be followed to ensure its correct dosage and application.
2. Chemical, pharmaceutical and textile industries
Anhydrous Citric acid can be used as a chemical analysis reagent in chemical technology, used as an experimental reagent,chromatographic analysis reagent and biochemical reagent; used as a complexing agent, masking agent; used to prepare buffer solutions. Using citric acid or citrate as a builder can improve the performance of washing products, can quickly precipitate metal ions, prevent pollutants from reattaching to fabrics, and maintain the necessary alkalinity for washing; disperse and suspend dirt and ash; Improve the performance of surfactants, it is an excellent chelating agent; it can be used as a reagent for testing the acid resistance of architectural ceramic tiles. The formaldehyde pollution of clothing is a very sensitive issue. Citric acid and modified citric acid can be made into a formaldehyde-free anti-wrinkle finishing agent for anti-wrinkle finishing of pure cotton fabrics. Not only the anti-wrinkle effect is good, but also the cost is low.
3. For cosmetics
Anhydrous Citric acid is a kind of fruit acid. Its main function is to accelerate the renewal of cutin. It is often used in lotion, cream, shampoo, whitening products, anti-aging products, acne products, etc. The renewal of keratin helps to peel off melanin in the skin, shrink pores, dissolve blackheads, etc. For example, Biotherm Active Spring Soothing Cleansing Mousse makes the skin soft and comfortable, and the complexion is fresh and pure.
Add ratio
Anhydrous citric acid is typically used in small amounts due to its strong acidity. The exact proportion can vary based on the specific application and the desired level of acidity. Here are some general guidelines for common uses:
Food and Beverage Industry
As a flavor enhancer: A common usage is around 0.05% to 0.1% of the total weight of the food or beverage product.
For pH adjustment: Typically, a small amount is added to achieve the desired pH level, usually less than 0.5% of the formulation.
Cleaning and Household Products
For descaling: A solution containing 5-10% anhydrous citric acid can effectively descale appliances like coffee makers and kettles.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
pH adjustment: A few drops or a very small percentage (0.1% to 0.5%) of anhydrous citric acid can be added to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Acidulant: Anhydrous citric acid can be added in varying amounts, often around 0.5% to 2% by weight of the formulation, to achieve the desired pH and taste.
Canning and Food Preservation
For preservation: A small amount (around 1/4 teaspoon per quart) of anhydrous citric acid can be added to the canning liquid to help preserve color and prevent browning.
Gardening and Agriculture
Soil pH adjustment: Depending on the soil's pH and the target pH, small amounts can be added to the soil. This often requires careful monitoring and testing.
Textile Industry
Dyeing processes: The amount can vary based on the dye and fabric type, but typically, it's a small percentage of the dye bath solution.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and the specific proportions should be determined based on the product's formulation, the intended pH adjustment, and any regulations governing the particular industry. Additionally, it's important to follow safety guidelines and consult relevant experts when incorporating anhydrous citric acid into various applications.
FAQ
1. What is anhydrous citric acid used for?
Anhydrous citric acid finds a wide range of applications across various industries due to its acidity, flavor-enhancing properties, and chelating abilities.
2. Can anhydrous citric acid be used in food and beverages?
Yes, anhydrous citric acid is a common food additive used to impart a sour taste to products and enhance flavors. It's commonly found in soft drinks, candies, jams, and processed foods.
3. Is it used in cleaning products?
Absolutely. Anhydrous citric acid's chelating properties make it effective in removing mineral deposits and rust stains from surfaces. It's a popular ingredient in many household cleaners.
4. How does anhydrous citric acid work as a chelating agent?
Anhydrous citric acid forms stable complexes with metal ions, helping to soften water, prevent scale buildup, and improve the effectiveness of detergents.
5. Can it be used in personal care products?
Yes, anhydrous citric acid is used in cosmetics and personal care products to adjust pH levels, act as a preservative, and enhance the exfoliating properties of skincare products.
6. Is anhydrous citric acid utilized in pharmaceuticals?
Anhydrous citric acid is used in pharmaceutical formulations as an acidulant, pH adjuster, and to improve the solubility of certain medications.
7. Can it be used in canning and preserving foods?
Yes, anhydrous citric acid is added to home-canned goods to preserve the color and flavor of fruits and vegetables while adjusting the pH to safe levels.
8. Is anhydrous citric acid eco-friendly?
Yes, it's considered environmentally friendly due to its biodegradability and low toxicity. It's often used as an alternative to harsher chemicals.
9. Does anhydrous citric acid have medicinal uses?
It's used as an ingredient in some antacids and dietary supplements due to its acidic properties and potential benefits in digestion.
10. Can it be used for descaling appliances?
Absolutely. Anhydrous citric acid is an effective and natural solution for descaling coffee makers, kettles, and other appliances that accumulate mineral deposits.
11. Is it used in the textile industry?
Yes, anhydrous citric acid is utilized in dyeing and printing processes to adjust pH, enhance color absorption, and improve colorfastness.
12. Can it be used in gardening?
Anhydrous citric acid can be employed to adjust soil pH levels in gardening, promoting optimal conditions for specific plants.
13. Is it used in the creation of bath bombs?
Yes, anhydrous citric acid is a key ingredient in DIY bath bomb recipes. When combined with baking soda, it produces the characteristic fizz when added to water.
14. Can it be used to remove rust?
Yes, anhydrous citric acid can be used to remove rust from various surfaces due to its ability to dissolve iron oxides.
15. Is it used in the dairy industry?
Anhydrous citric acid is used in dairy processing to control pH levels, enhance flavor, and prevent coagulation in certain products.
In essence, anhydrous citric acid is a versatile compound with applications spanning multiple industries, from food and beverages to cleaning, cosmetics, and beyond. Its diverse properties and functions make it an indispensable ingredient in various products and processes.