Citric Acid Anhydrous is a crystalline acid used in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
Procurement of Citric Acid Anhydrous involves a careful balance between purity, supply reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
Packaging
25kg bags; 5kg and 50kg bags available on request
Supply Region
Kenya, East Africa
Supplier
Zenco Systems Ltd
Procurement of Citric Acid Anhydrous involves a careful balance between purity, supply reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Buyers in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturing often specify this product for its multifunctional properties. Citric Acid Anhydrous is a white crystalline powder, chemically known as 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, with the formula C6H8O7 and CAS number 77-92-9. It acts primarily as a natural acidulant, preservative, and chelating agent across diverse sectors.
The product's extensive use in food production for pH adjustment and flavor enhancement, pharmaceuticals for effervescent formulations and stabilization, as well as in cosmetics as a buffering agent, makes it a staple chemical in the pharma-cosmetics category. Industrial applications such as water treatment and industrial cleaning also rely on its acidity and biodegradability. Buyers operating in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and broader East Africa prefer suppliers like Zenco Systems Ltd that ensure consistent quality, competitive pricing, and timely deliveries supported by sound technical expertise.
Citric Acid Anhydrous is the pure, water-soluble anhydrous form of citric acid, distinguished from its monohydrate counterpart by the absence of bound water molecules. This key characteristic improves its stability and shelf life in dry conditions, making it favorable for use where moisture must be minimized. Its molecular formula is C6H8O7, and it contains three carboxyl groups that impart its strong acidity and chelating properties. The molecule’s structure allows it to donate protons (H+) in aqueous solutions, effectively lowering pH which is critical in controlling product stability or microbial growth.
The acid functions both as a natural preservative by inhibiting enzymatic browning and microbial spoilage, and as a chelating agent by binding metal ions. Metals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium that may catalyze degradation or affect color, flavor, and efficacy in final products are sequestered by citric acid’s tricarboxylate groups. This property is essential in pharmaceuticals for preventing metal-catalyzed oxidation and maintaining the active ingredients’ integrity.
Citric Acid Anhydrous typically appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder with excellent water solubility—up to 150 g per 100 ml at 20°C. This solubility enables its swift action in liquid preparations and facilitates uniform mixing in solid formulations. The product’s non-toxic and biodegradable nature aligns with regulatory standards governing food additives and cosmetic ingredients, adding to its widespread acceptance. Buyers assessing this chemical evaluate parameters including purity, moisture content, and compliance with relevant pharmacopoeial or food-grade specifications, which Zenco Systems Ltd supports with certificates upon request.
In food processing, Citric Acid Anhydrous is widely used to adjust acidity, enhance flavor, and extend shelf life by creating an unfavorable environment for microbial growth. Typical applications include soft drinks, canned fruits, jams, and confectionery, where it balances sweetness with a refreshing sourness. Usage levels generally range from 0.05% to 0.25% depending on product type and regulatory limits, providing preservative action while maintaining palatability.
This chemical is essential in pharmaceutical formulations, especially effervescent tablets and powders where it reacts with bicarbonates to release carbon dioxide, aiding tablet disintegration and patient compliance. It also serves as a chelator to stabilize trace metal ions that can degrade active pharmaceutical ingredients, improving shelf life. Typical dosing varies by formulation but precise control over purity and particle size is crucial to avoid variability in drug release.
Citric Acid Anhydrous balances pH in cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and bath products to optimize product stability and skin compatibility. Its buffering capacity prevents unwanted shifts in acidity that can cause irritation or product degradation. The concentration typically remains below 2%, ensuring both efficacy and safety in topical applications.
The acidity and chelating properties of Citric Acid Anhydrous make it effective in industrial cleaning agents to remove scale, rust, and mineral deposits. It chelates metal ions present in water hardness that can reduce cleaner performance. It is often formulated into descalers, detergents, and metal cleaners where biodegradability and non-toxicity are beneficial for environmental compliance.
In water treatment processes, Citric Acid Anhydrous serves to sequester metal ions that cause hardness and scaling. Its biodegradable nature provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional phosphates, improving water quality without toxic residues. It also participates in pH adjustment to optimize water chemistry in industrial and municipal systems.
Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Pharma & Cosmetics range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.
Citric Acid Anhydrous modulates acidity precisely due to its triprotic acid structure, allowing buyers to maintain optimal pH levels essential for product stability and safety. This pinpoint control prevents microbial growth in food or degradation in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, which directly impacts product quality and shelf life.
Its ability to chelate and sequester metal ions prevents catalytic oxidation and discoloration, particularly vital in pharmaceuticals and industrial applications where trace metals cause product deterioration. This chelation improves the performance and longevity of formulations, reducing waste and cost.
Unlike harsher acids or synthetic additives, Citric Acid Anhydrous’s biodegradability and low toxicity make it ideal for environmentally conscious industries. Compliance with food and pharmaceutical safety standards is more straightforward, and disposal costs or environmental liabilities are minimized.
The anhydrous form’s excellent water solubility allows rapid dissolution and uniform distribution in products, improving manufacturing efficiency and product consistency. Its stability under dry conditions reduces moisture-induced degradation during storage and transport.
Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Citric Acid Anhydrous typically in 25 kg bags, suitable for storage and handling in industrial environments. On request, smaller pack sizes like 5 kg bags or larger bulk packaging of 50 kg bags are available to meet varying operational needs. The packaging materials are moisture-resistant to preserve product quality during transit across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African markets. Bulk supply options can be arranged for consistent industrial-scale demand with secure logistics coordination to ensure timely delivery and safe handling.
Standard formats: 25kg bags; 5kg and 50kg bags available on request
Store Citric Acid Anhydrous in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent moisture uptake, which can lead to clumping or partial hydration to the monohydrate form. Keep the product in tightly closed containers made of compatible materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene to avoid contamination. Avoid storage near strong oxidizers or moisture sources. Under proper conditions, shelf life generally extends to several years. When handling, use standard industrial hygiene practices like gloves and dust masks to minimize inhalation or skin contact with dust.
Citric Acid Anhydrous is classified as a low-hazard chemical but can cause mild irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract on prolonged exposure to dust. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks is recommended when handling powders in bulk. In case of contact, rinse affected areas with plenty of water. Avoid ingestion and inhalation of dust. Dispose of residues in compliance with local environmental regulations. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by Zenco Systems Ltd for detailed hazard information and emergency measures.
Purity specifications vary by intended use; food and pharmaceutical grades typically exceed 99%. Confirm exact purity with the certificate of analysis provided by Zenco Systems Ltd at order time.
Yes, it reacts with bicarbonates to release carbon dioxide, aiding disintegration and taste masking. Purity and particle size significantly affect performance, so consult with Zenco Systems Ltd for suitable grades.
Store it in moisture-proof containers in cool, dry places away from humidity to prevent clumping or unwanted hydration. Using desiccants or climate-controlled warehouses is advisable in humid regions.
Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd regularly supplies Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring East African countries with reliable logistics ensuring timely delivery.
Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags, with options for 5 kg or 50 kg bags on request based on buyer volume and application needs.
While generally low risk, handling large quantities requires gloves, protective eyewear, and dust masks to prevent irritation from dust exposure.
Dosage typically ranges from 0.05% to 0.25% depending on product type and preservation requirements as regulated by local food safety authorities.
It acts as a chelating and pH adjusting agent to sequester hardness-causing metals, improving water quality and reducing scale buildup.
Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd provides a CoA detailing purity, moisture content, and compliance with relevant standards upon delivery.
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