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Citric acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O7
CAS number
77-92-9
IUPAC name
2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
State
State

At room temperature, citric acid is a solid. It typically exists as a white crystalline substance. When exposed to air, it may absorb moisture from the environment due to its hygroscopic nature.

Melting point (Celsius)
153.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
426.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
310.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
583.15
General information
Molecular weight
192.12g/mol
Molar mass
192.1240g/mol
Density
1.6650g/cm3
Appearence

Citric acid is a white, crystalline powder at room temperature. It is odorless in its pure form but may have a slightly acidic or sour odor when impure. Citric acid is highly soluble in water, which gives it the characteristic tart taste associated with citrus fruits.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid (C6H8O7)

2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, commonly known as citric acid, exhibits remarkable solubility characteristics that make it a versatile compound in various applications. Its solubility can be characterized by the following essential points:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: Citric acid is known for its excellent solubility in water, with a solubility of approximately 60 g per 100 mL at room temperature.
  • Influence of pH: The solubility increases in acidic conditions, showcasing its ability to remain dissolved as more protons are available.
  • Temperature Effects: Increased temperature generally enhances the solubility of citric acid in water, making it more effective in heat applications.
  • Uses in Food and Beverages: Due to its high solubility, it is widely used as a flavoring agent and preservative.
  • Interactions with Other Compounds: Citric acid can form complexes with various minerals and metal ions, further enhancing its solubility in different media.

This compound plays a significant role in biochemical pathways, emphasizing its importance not only in chemistry but also in biological systems. As cited, "Citric acid's solubility properties allow it to participate actively in metabolic processes." Its functionality as a solvent characterizes a wide range of applications in pharmaceuticals, food science, and beyond.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid

2-Hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, more commonly known as citric acid, is a fascinating organic compound with a range of applications and properties that intrigue chemists and biologists alike.

Applications in Daily Life

  • Food Industry: Citric acid is widely used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in beverages, candies, and other food products.
  • Pharmaceuticals: It plays a crucial role in enhancing the absorption of certain medications and is often included in effervescent formulations.
  • Cosmetics: Due to its acidic nature, citric acid is commonly used in skincare products to adjust pH levels and act as an exfoliant.

Biological Significance

Moreover, citric acid is a key player in metabolic pathways, particularly the citric acid cycle (or Krebs cycle), which is vital for energy production in living organisms. It serves as a crucial intermediate that aids in:

  • Energy generation through the oxidation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
  • Decomposition of nutrients within the mitochondria.

Unique Characteristics

Some notable attributes of 2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid include:

  • It exhibits a complex structure with multiple carboxyl groups, which contributes to its high acidity.
  • Citric acid can chelate metals, making it useful in various cleaning agents and for removing limescale.
  • Its presence in citrus fruits is why these fruits are often associated with a sharp, tangy flavor.

In summary, 2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid is not just a compound with diverse practical uses, but also an essential component of biological systems that aids in energy metabolism. Its multifaceted properties make it a compound of great interest across several fields.

Synonyms
2-Methylcitric acid
6061-96-7
2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
methylcitric acid
2-Methylcitricacid
2-methylcitrate
2-hydroxy-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic acid
CHEBI:30835
DTXSID30863685
1,2,3-Butanetricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-
3-C-carboxy-2,4-dideoxy-2-methylpentaric acid
2-hydroxybutane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
SCHEMBL271213
2-Methylcitric acid, 3H-labeled
DTXCID50812271
AKOS030255292
MS-23120
HY-113371
CS-0062310
NS00126979
3-Carboxy-3-hydroxy-2-methylpentanedioic acid
F91138
2-hydroxy-1-methylpropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
Q27104155
2-Methylcitric Acid (mixture of diastereomers) (unlabelled)
15885-24-2