Citric Acid anhydrous is a versatile organic acid used widely in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
Citric Acid is a critical raw material across multiple industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and water treatment.
Packaging
25 kg bags, 50 kg bags, 200 kg drums
Supply Region
East Africa, Kenya
Supplier
Zenco Systems Ltd
Citric Acid is a critical raw material across multiple industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and water treatment. Food manufacturers depend on it for acidulation and preservation, while pharmaceutical producers use it for formulation and buffering. Detergent and cleaning product manufacturers value Citric Acid’s chelating properties, which improve cleaning efficiency and water softening. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Citric Acid throughout East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, ensuring dependable sourcing and consistent quality.
Chemically, Citric Acid is an organic tricarboxylic acid with the formula C6H8O7. It appears as a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water, non-toxic, and biodegradable. These traits underpin its widespread industrial use and influence how it performs in various applications—from modifying pH in beverages to binding metal ions in detergents and water treatment solutions.
Citric Acid (C6H8O7, CAS 77-92-9) is a weak organic acid belonging to the class of tricarboxylic acids. It naturally occurs in citrus fruits and is commercially produced by fermentation using Aspergillus niger or extraction from citrus fruit byproducts. The resulting anhydrous powder is highly soluble in water, allowing it to dissociate into citrate ions and hydrogen ions when dissolved. This dissociation capacity makes it a versatile pH modifier and buffer in industrial processes.
In food processing, Citric Acid acts as an acidulant, meaning it imparts sourness while regulating pH levels for product stability and flavor enhancement. Its chelating ability allows it to bind metal ions such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, thereby preventing discoloration and oxidation reactions. This makes it valuable in detergents where water hardness can reduce cleaning efficacy.
Technically, Citric Acid exhibits a melting point of approximately 153 °C and a density near 1.665 g/cm³ when dry. Due to its acidic nature, appropriate handling measures must be followed to prevent equipment corrosion and ensure safe storage. Commercial grades vary in purity depending on application—food grade, pharmaceutical grade, and technical grade—so confirming specific certifications with Zenco Systems Ltd is essential.
Performance characteristics like solubility, buffering capacity, and chelating action define its role across sectors. Its biodegradability and low toxicity make it a preferred choice for applications where environmental impact is a concern. Moreover, its stability under typical processing conditions supports product consistency from batch to batch.
Citric Acid is widely used to acidify foods and beverages, enhancing tartness and acting as a preservative. It stabilizes pH to inhibit microbial growth and enzymatic browning in processed fruits, jams, and confections. Typical dosages range from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight depending on the product type and desired sourness.
In soft drinks and juices, Citric Acid adjusts acidity to improve flavor profile and shelf life. It buffers the solution to maintain consistent pH during distribution and storage, preventing spoilage and improving carbonation stability.
Citric Acid serves as an excipient in tablet formulation and effervescent powders by controlling pH and providing tartness. Its chelating properties aid in stabilizing active ingredients susceptible to metal ion catalyzed degradation.
As a chelating agent, Citric Acid binds calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, enhancing cleaning efficiency and preventing soap scum formation. It also helps maintain alkalinity and protects sensitive materials from metal-catalyzed degradation.
Citric Acid complexes with metal ions in municipal and industrial water treatment processes, reducing scaling and improving corrosion control. Its biodegradable nature minimizes environmental impact compared to phosphates.
Citric Acid adjusts pH in skincare and haircare products to optimize product stability and skin compatibility. It also acts as a mild preservative and chelating agent, extending product shelf life.
Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Solvents & Thinners range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.
Because Citric Acid is a weak organic acid with three dissociable protons, it offers precise pH buffering across a broad range of products. This versatility ensures consistent acidity without harsh effects, crucial in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care formulations.
Its ability to chelate metal ions like calcium and magnesium improves product performance and stability by preventing unwanted precipitation and oxidative degradation. This reduces maintenance costs in water treatment and boosts detergent efficacy.
Because Citric Acid is non-toxic and readily biodegradable, it aligns with environmental regulatory standards and consumer safety expectations. This makes it suitable for applications from food ingredients to eco-sensitive industrial processes.
Zenco Systems Ltd ensures steady availability of Citric Acid for buyers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Their logistical expertise minimizes lead times and supply disruptions, important for continuous industrial operations.
Citric Acid is typically available from Zenco Systems Ltd in 25 kg and 50 kg multi-ply paper bags suited for dry chemical handling. For larger scale needs, 200 kg drums offer safer bulk storage and transportation. Packaging is selected with moisture resistance in mind to maintain product integrity during shipping across East Africa. Custom packaging for industrial clients can be discussed to fit specific handling or dosing equipment.
Standard formats: 25 kg bags, 50 kg bags, 200 kg drums
Store Citric Acid in a well-ventilated, dry area away from humidity to prevent caking and degradation. Avoid storing near alkaline substances or strong oxidizers that could initiate reactions. Containers should be sealed tightly and compatible with acidic materials—typically high-density polyethylene or coated steel. Shelf life under optimal conditions usually exceeds 2 years, but confirm with supplier. Use gloves and eye protection during handling to prevent irritation due to its acidic properties.
Citric Acid is classified as an irritant to skin and eyes. Protective gloves, goggles, and dust masks are recommended when handling in powdered form. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if irritation persists. Spills should be contained and cleaned with water, avoiding release into waterways. Full safety details are available in the Zenco Systems Ltd Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Citric Acid is used to acidify food products, enhance flavor with its tartness, preserve freshness by inhibiting microbial growth, and prevent enzymatic browning in processed fruits and beverages.
Store Citric Acid in sealed, moisture-proof containers in a cool, dry place away from alkaline substances and strong oxidizers. Proper storage preserves its physical and chemical stability.
Zenco Systems Ltd offers various grades of Citric Acid. Confirm with the supplier for pharmaceutical-grade certification and relevant quality standards before ordering.
Yes. Zenco Systems Ltd serves clients across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, providing reliable cross-border logistics.
Standard packaging includes 25 kg and 50 kg bags, plus 200 kg drums for bulk requirements. Custom packaging options can be discussed for large industrial applications.
Citric Acid chelates calcium and magnesium in hard water, preventing soap scum formation and enhancing the cleaning power and stability of detergent formulations.
Use gloves, eye protection, and dust masks to prevent irritation. Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes. Consult the SDS for detailed safety instructions.
Yes, Citric Acid breaks down naturally and is widely recognized as an environmentally friendly additive suitable for eco-sensitive applications.
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