Citric acid

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Citric acid crystals, magnified about 200 times, seen through a polarizing filter.

Citric acid is a weak organic acid. It can be found in citrus fruits. It acts like a preservative. It is also used to add a sour (acidic) taste to foods and soft drinks. In the European Union it is known as E 330, as a food additive.

Carl Wilhelm Scheele was the first who could extract citric acid from lemons, in 1782. The substance was probably known to alchemists, perhaps with a different name. The Arabian alchemist Geber is said to have discovered citric acid in the 9th century. Citric Acid contains 6 Carbon atoms, 8 Hydrogen atoms and 7 Oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is C₆H₈O₇.

[change] Main uses

• As a water softener
• It is often used in detergents, to avoid the smell of acid, esp. Acetic acid
• As a preserving agent
• Citric acid and its salts prevent blood clotting. Blood donations are kept liquid using citric acid.

[change] Other websites

• Citric acid analysis - free spreadsheet for titration of acids and pH calculation

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