Skip to main content

Citric acid

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O7
CAS number
77-92-9
IUPAC name
3,4,6-trihydroxy-2,5-dioxo-hexanoic acid
State
State

Citric acid is typically in a solid state at room temperature, often found as crystalline powder or granules. It can also form a monohydrate form. It is known for being highly soluble in water, making it readily available for various uses.

Melting point (Celsius)
153.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
426.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
310.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
583.00
General information
Molecular weight
192.13g/mol
Molar mass
192.1260g/mol
Density
1.6650g/cm3
Appearence

Citric acid appears as a white crystalline powder. It is often available in a granular form and is odorless. It is known for being highly soluble in water.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3,4,6-trihydroxy-2,5-dioxo-hexanoic acid

The solubility of 3,4,6-trihydroxy-2,5-dioxo-hexanoic acid (C6H8O7), also known as a type of hydroxy acid, can be quite interesting. Generally, compounds with multiple hydroxyl (–OH) groups, like this one, tend to exhibit enhanced solubility in polar solvents, particularly water. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Hydrophilic Nature: The presence of three hydroxyl groups makes the compound highly hydrophilic, implying that it can interact favorably with water molecules.
  • Temperature Dependency: Like many organic acids, its solubility may increase with temperature, suggesting that higher temperatures might facilitate its dissolution.
  • Acidity Influence: The dioxo structure can provide acidic protons, which can enhance its solubility in aqueous solutions as well.
  • Potential Solubilizing Actions: This compound may also form complexes with metal ions or participate in hydrogen bonding, further influencing its overall solubility profile.

To sum it up, 3,4,6-trihydroxy-2,5-dioxo-hexanoic acid is likely to be relatively soluble in water, thanks to its multiple hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, which enhance interaction with the solvent and promote dissolution.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3,4,6-Trihydroxy-2,5-dioxo-hexanoic Acid

3,4,6-Trihydroxy-2,5-dioxo-hexanoic acid, often revered in biochemical circles, is a remarkable compound exhibiting a unique structure and functionality. Here are some fascinating highlights:

  • Natural Occurrence: This acid is known to occur naturally in various plants, particularly those with medicinal properties, making it a subject of interest in ethnobotany.
  • Biochemical Role: It plays a significant role in metabolic pathways, particularly those involving amino acid synthesis and catabolism. This is crucial for maintaining healthy cellular functions.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Studies have shown that the compound has antioxidant capabilities, helping to combat oxidative stress in living organisms, and thus, highlighting its potential in health supplements.
  • Chemical Versatility: With multiple hydroxyl groups, the compound can form various derivatives, which are valuable in medicinal chemistry for developing new drugs.
  • Research Potential: Ongoing research is aimed at exploring its potential applications in pharmacology and agriculture, particularly for enhancing crop resilience against pests and diseases.

In the words of renowned chemist, “The intricate dance of molecules in nature often leads to groundbreaking discoveries.” This compound exemplifies the beauty of chemistry, bridging nature and science through its multifaceted roles.

As research continues, the compounds like 3,4,6-trihydroxy-2,5-dioxo-hexanoic acid remind us of the endless possibilities awaiting in understanding complex biochemical networks and enhancing our health and environment.

Synonyms
2,5-Diketogluconsaure
NS00046179