Citric acid
Agent Name
Citric acid
CAS Number
77-92-9
Formula
C6-H8-O7
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
1,2,3-Propanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-; 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid; 2-Hydroxypropanetricarboxylic acid; 2-Hydroxytricarballylic acid; 3-Carboxy-3-hydroxypentane-1,5-dioic acid; Aciletten; Anhydrous citric acid; Chemfill; Citretten; Citric acid; Citric acid, anhydrous; Citro; F 0001 (polycarboxylic acid); Hydrocerol A; Kyselina 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propantrikarbonova [Czech]; Kyselina citronova [Czech]; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Colorless and odorless crystals , it has an acid taste; [CAMEO] Deliquescent; [CHEMINFO]
Sources/Uses
"A Compound from citrus fruits that is an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid (Krebs) cycle. It is used as an acidifying agent in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Citrate chelates calcium ions and prevents blood clotting. It is also used as an anticoagulant for stored whole blood and red cells and also for blood specimens. (Dorland, 28th ed)" [ChemIDplus]
Comments
An irritant to the throat and eyes; [CAMEO] Concentrated solutions can cause severe eye damage and blindness; Animals fed 1.2% citric acid for 90 weeks showed no adverse effects except erosion of tooth enamel. [CHEMINFO]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
MAK
2 mg/m3, inhalable fraction
Vapor Pressure
3.7E-09 mm Hg
Explanatory Notes
mp = 307.0 deg F (anhydrous); [CAMEO]
Adverse Effects
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.