Description

Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits with the formula C6H8O7. Citric acid is a natural, weak organic acid that is found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus. Because citric acid is also a byproduct of the citric acid cycle, it is also produced by many living organisms; including mold Citric acid is hygroscopic. Usually produced in powder form it easily mixes into liquids, making it a valuable acid. It is used mainly as an acidifier, as a flavoring, and as a chelating agent. At room temperature, citric acid is a white crystalline powder. Citric acid is a slightly stronger acid than typical carboxylic acids because the anion can be stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding from other protic groups on citric acid.