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Citric acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O7
CAS number
77-92-9
IUPAC name
4-oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid
State
State

At room temperature, citric acid exists as a solid. It is generally provided in the form of a white crystalline powder or granules.

Melting point (Celsius)
153.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
426.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
310.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
583.15
General information
Molecular weight
192.13g/mol
Molar mass
192.1260g/mol
Density
1.6650g/cm3
Appearence

Citric acid appears as a white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water, and aqueous solutions of citric acid exhibit a clear, colorless appearance. Citric acid is commonly found in a granular form or as a fine white powder, and it is virtually odorless, with a strong sour taste due to its acidic nature.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 4-oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (C6H8O7)

The solubility of 4-oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid is an intriguing aspect due to its unique structure and functional groups. This compound is a tricarboxylic acid, which means it possesses three carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) that greatly affect its solubility in various solvents.

  • Water solubility: 4-oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid is known to be highly soluble in water. This is primarily due to its three carboxylic groups, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Solubility in organic solvents: The compound's limited hydrophobic character means it has lower solubility in non-polar organic solvents. Thus, it is generally poorly soluble in solvents like hexane and benzene.
  • Influencing factors: The solubility can also be influenced by factors such as pH and temperature. For instance, at higher pH values, deprotonation of the carboxyl groups can enhance solubility.

In conclusion, 4-oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid demonstrates significant solubility in water due to its polar functional groups, while its solubility in organic solvents remains limited. It showcases how molecular structure intricately connects with solubility properties.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 4-Oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid

4-Oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, often colloquially referred to as citraconic acid, is a fascinating compound that plays a significant role in both natural and synthetic processes. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Structure and Function: This compound is a tricarboxylic acid, meaning it contains three carboxylic acid groups. This structural feature allows it to act as a versatile building block in organic synthesis.
  • Biological Importance: Citraconic acid is of interest in metabolic pathways. It can be linked to the synthesis of other important biomolecules and participates in various biochemical reactions in living organisms.
  • Industrial Applications: Due to its functional groups, citraconic acid is used in the manufacture of polyesters and other polymers, making it valuable in the industry for creating materials with specific properties.
  • Synthetic Routes: The production of citraconic acid can be achieved through several synthetic methods, which often involve the modification of simpler compounds to introduce the necessary functional groups.
  • Research Potential: Ongoing research into citraconic acid explores its potential use in drug development and the modulation of metabolic processes, highlighting its significance in pharmacology and biochemistry.

You might say that "citraconic acid is a small but mighty player in the world of chemistry," due to its ability to influence various biological and synthetic processes. Understanding compounds like 4-oxobut-2-ene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid allows chemists to design new molecules with desired properties and to innovate in many fields such as medicine, materials science, and environmental applications. As we dive deeper into the world of organic compounds, citraconic acid shines as an example of the complexity and utility of seemingly simple structures.