ReAgent Are Leading Citric Acid Suppliers
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that is naturally found in citrus and juicy fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, apples, pears, and berries. Although it is often associated with sweet-tasting fruit, citric acid appears as odourless and colourless crystals.
The properties of citric acid are as follows:
- Appearance: Solid
- Formula: C6H8O7
- Melting point: 153°C
- Boiling point: 175°C
- Density: 500-950 kg/m3 CAS No.: 77-92-9
At room temperature, citric acid is a white crystalline powder in either anhydrous or monohydrate forms. Monohydrate citric acid can be easily dried by heating the crystals at 78°C, but higher temperatures will result in decarboxylation. This compound can dissolve in water, ethanol, ether, DMSO, and other solvents.
Citric acid has many uses across various sectors, from the food, pharmaceuticals and cleaning industries to the cosmetics, agriculture, and even biotechnology industries. Here is an overview of its most popular uses:
- A flavour enhancer and preservative in food and beverages
- An excipient in the formulation of medicines
- A component in eco-friendly cleaning products, like detergents
- A precursor to various chemicals used in the production of other compounds
Specifications of Our Citric Acid
As leading citric acid suppliers, ReAgent has a range of high-purity formulations available online, including anhydrous citric acid for general use, which has a purity limit of 99.5-100.5%, and citric acid 20% w/v, which is sold as a monohydrate 19-21%. We can also supply this product in a variety of grades, ensuring compatibility with a diverse range of applications.
For maximum flexibility, ReAgent’s citric acid is available in bulk quantities and specific pack sizes, depending on your needs. When you buy citric acid from us, you can choose from containers of 500g all the way up to 25kg bags. Should a smaller or larger quantity be required, please contact us and we’ll be happy to accommodate your bespoke request.
All of our citric acid products are backed by a 100% quality guarantee and developed in line with our stringent QMS. Accredited to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standard, ReAgent prides itself on ensuring impeccable purity in all our products, so you can rest assured that your order is in good hands.
Applications of Citric Acid
Citric acid is a versatile compound that finds applications in various industries due to its unique properties. Some of its key characteristics include acidity, chelation (ability to bind to metals), and being a natural preservative. This allows it to be used in many diverse ways:
- Flavour enhancer and acidifier. It is widely used in the food and beverage industry to improve flavour or add acidity to drinks, candies, jams, and other processed foods
- Preservative and emulsifier. Citric acid is also used as an emulsifying agent in things like cream. It also improves the stability and extend the shelf life of foodstuffs
- Excipient in the formulation of medicines by the pharmaceutical industry. It is used to adjust the pH of solutions, enhance the bioavailability of certain drugs, and act as a stabilising agent in liquid medications
- Component in cleaning products. The chelating properties of citric acid help to remove mineral deposits and prevent staining in hard water
- Personal care products. It is used in shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc., as a pH adjuster, chelating agent, and as a way to promote exfoliation in skincare formulations
- Agricultural practices. In agriculture, citric acid helps to create a mildly acidic environment that facilitates certain agricultural treatments. It can be employed to adjust the pH of soil, making it more suitable for certain crops
- Chelating agent in water treatment. Here, citric acid is used to remove metal ions and prevent scaling in pipes and equipment
- Key bath bomb ingredient. Citric acid is crucial to the signature fizz of bath bombs, where it reacts with the baking soda to release carbon dioxide
- Textiles and photography. It is used in the dyeing process of textiles to regulate the pH levels and improve the colour fastness of certain dyes. It is also used in photographic development to neutralise alkaline developing solutions
- Precursor to various chemicals. Citric acid is used in the chemical industry as a precursor to chemicals and intermediates used in the production of other compounds, such as acetic acid and citrate salts
- Citric acid fermentation. In biotechnology, citric acid fermentation is a widely used method to produce citric acid on a large scale. The process involves using certain strains of fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, to produce citric acid from sugar sources
The range of citric acid formulations ReAgent manufactures meet a variety of application needs. Our anhydrous citric acid, for example, is well-suited for chemical processes with water-sensitive reactions, as well as for ensuring consistent results in pharmaceutical formulations with moisture-sensitive ingredients.
Meanwhile, our citric acid 20% w/v is ideal for cleaning products, rust removal, pH adjustment, chemical processes, and so on. The high purity of our citric acid products, combined with our ability to create bespoke blends, ensures that we’re able to supply you with the best product for your specific application needs.
ReAgent’s Quality Assurances
ReAgent’s ongoing commitment to quality is reflected in the accreditations we have garnered over the years, which mean you can buy from us with confidence, every time:
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standard. This demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a focus on quality in our products, services, and processes
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Standard. This ensures we are always doing our part to minimise waste and work in an environmentally responsible manner
- ISO 13485:2016 Quality Management Systems Standard. We adhere to the stringent requirements of a QMS specific to the medical devices industry
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Standard. We maintain a proactive OHS management system, ensuring our workers are always safe, healthy, and able to exceed customer expectations
Why Choose ReAgent Chemicals for Citric Acid?
With nearly 50 years of experience as a chemical manufacturer, and with an unbeatable commitment to quality, ReAgent is one of the UK’s leading citric acid suppliers. We go the extra mile to ensure our customers’ needs are met, right down to the last detail. In addition to offering a range of high-quality citric acid products, we also offer:
- Bespoke blending
- A range of batch sizes
- Specific pack sizes
- Customised packaging
- Personalised labelling
- Discounts on bulk quantities
Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in our Cheshire-based facility, we are able to get your order shipped within 24 hours when you buy online. We’re even able to ship directly to your customers’ door with our reliable network of fully licensed ADR couriers.
With ReAgent, it’s easier and more secure than ever to buy citric acid online and reap the benefits of bulk discounts, fast shipping, and uncompromised quality.
Storing Citric Acid: Guidelines
Although it is a weak acid, citric acid can cause adverse effects in humans if inhaled or ingested in large, concentrated quantities over a long-term period. It is crucial that all storage guidelines are properly adhered to when handling this product.
To safely store citric acid, follow these guidelines:
- Use an airtight container made of glass, plastic, or metal
- Given its hygroscopic nature, store it in a dry location away from liquids
- Keep away from direct sunlight and store in a cool area with stable temperatures
- Clearly label the container with the contents and date of storage
- Store away from incompatible substances, like strong oxidizers or alkalis
- Choose a location inaccessible to children and pets to avoid accidental exposure
- Ensure proper ventilation, especially when handling large quantities of citric acid
- Wear appropriate safety gear, like gloves and goggles, to protect your skin and eyes
For more information, always ensure to follow the MSDS for the specific product. You can find this here for our anhydrous citric acid and here for the 20% w/v formulation.
Place your citric acid order online today, or browse our extensive range of chemical products. For more information on how we can meet your specific business needs, contact a member of our team.