Cleaning & DisinfectionIn Stock

Citric Acid Monohydrate

Name: Zenco Systems Ltd - Chemical Division
Address: Industrial Area, Enterprise Road, KCB Building, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254114591982
Price range: KES

High-purity citric acid monohydrate used as a food additive, cleaning agent, and industrial raw material across East Africa.

Industrial processes in food preservation, cleaning, and manufacturing often demand precise control of acidity and complexing of metal ions to prevent quality degradation and equipment fouling.

WhatsApp Request Quote Contact Sales

+254114591982 Email Sales

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is Citric Acid Monohydrate?

Industrial processes in food preservation, cleaning, and manufacturing often demand precise control of acidity and complexing of metal ions to prevent quality degradation and equipment fouling. Citric Acid Monohydrate serves as a reliable solution to these challenges by delivering consistent acidification alongside chelating properties. This compound, a weak organic acid with the formula C6H8O7·H2O, is an indispensable ingredient in diverse sectors across East Africa, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, water treatment, and detergent production.

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies Citric Acid Monohydrate with dependable quality and timely delivery in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Its applications span adjusting pH levels, stabilizing food products, enhancing detergent formulations, and serving as a raw material for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Its critical role and versatility make it a staple in industrial and commercial operations throughout these regions.

Citric Acid Monohydrate: Detailed Product Overview

Citric Acid Monohydrate is the monohydrate form of citric acid, a tricarboxylic acid characterized by three carboxyl groups and one hydroxyl group. The chemical formula C6H8O7·H2O defines this compound, which appears as a white crystalline powder with high solubility in water. Upon dissolution, citric acid dissociates partially to release hydrogen ions, making it an effective weak acid suitable for controlled pH adjustment without drastic pH swings.

The monohydrate variant contains one molecule of water per molecule of citric acid, affecting its molecular weight and crystallization properties, which influences handling and dosing in industrial applications. This hydration state is preferred in many industries due to improved stability and ease of measurement compared to anhydrous forms.

Functionally, its acidity provides effective pH buffering in food preservation and cleaning agents, while its chelating ability binds metal ions that otherwise could catalyze spoilage or scaling. This dual function allows it to inhibit microbial growth in food products, enhance cleaning efficacy by softening water hardness, and stabilize formulations in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Citric acid’s biodegradability and relatively low toxicity favour its adoption in eco-conscious manufacturing and cleaning regimes. Industries relying on stringent quality standards, such as pharmaceuticals and food processing, require citric acid meeting specific purity and grade standards— which Zenco Systems Ltd confirms at the point of supply. Buyers should verify exact parameters such as purity and residual moisture from the certificate of analysis.

The material is typically supplied in robust bags or drums compatible with handling and storage conditions in the tropical East African climate. Considering its hygroscopic nature, care in storage avoids caking and degradation. Its wide applicability in sectors from detergent formulation to water treatment underpins its commercial importance in the region.

Applications and Uses of Citric Acid Monohydrate

Food Preservation

Citric Acid Monohydrate is widely used in food preservation to control acidity, inhibit microbial growth, and prolong shelf life. Its ability to adjust pH levels stabilizes the environment, making it hostile to bacteria and fungi. In fruit juices, canned vegetables, and jams, it prevents enzymatic browning and rancidity. Typical usage rates range between 0.1% and 0.5% by weight depending on the product, ensuring safety and flavor enhancement without affecting taste significantly.

pH Control

In industrial processes, maintaining a precise pH is critical for product quality and process stability. Citric Acid Monohydrate offers predictable, mild acidity that allows gradual adjustment without corrosion risks linked to stronger mineral acids. This makes it ideal for buffering solutions in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment plants. Its chelating effect also controls metal ion concentrations, protecting equipment from scaling and fouling.

Detergent Manufacturing

Detergent formulations benefit from citric acid’s dual role as a builder and chelating agent. It sequesters calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water that otherwise reduce cleaning efficiency. By softening water, detergents achieve better foam and dirt removal. Citric Acid Monohydrate also aids in maintaining the stability and pH of liquid and powder detergents, preventing premature degradation.

Water Treatment

Citric Acid Monohydrate is employed in water treatment to manage scale formation and metal ion contamination. It chelates iron, copper, and other transition metals, preventing unwanted precipitation and corrosion in pipes and boilers. Used at controlled dosages, it improves the performance and lifespan of water systems, especially in industrial and municipal applications where water hardness and metal content fluctuate.

Pharmaceutical Raw Material

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, Citric Acid Monohydrate functions as a buffering agent, stabilizer, and effervescent component. It adjusts acidity in syrups, tablets, and injectables to optimize drug stability and bioavailability. The high purity required demands supplier verification of grade and contaminant levels. Its controlled acidity also supports pH-sensitive formulations effectively.

Cosmetic Formulation

Citric Acid Monohydrate is incorporated into cosmetic products to adjust pH, preserving active ingredients and protecting skin integrity. Its mild acidity balances formulations such as shampoos, creams, and lotions. Additionally, its chelating properties prevent discoloration and instability caused by metal ions, enhancing shelf life and product consistency.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Cleaning & Disinfection range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Precise pH Regulation

Citric Acid Monohydrate allows fine-tuned control of acidity in formulations due to its weak acid nature. This precision prevents equipment corrosion and product degradation that stronger acids could cause, reducing maintenance costs and quality risks in manufacturing.

Effective Chelation

Its ability to bind metal ions like calcium and iron improves product stability and extends equipment life by preventing scale and fouling. This results in operational savings and enhanced performance in cleaning, water treatment, and formulation industries.

Multi-Industry Versatility

From food processing to pharmaceuticals, Citric Acid Monohydrate's broad functional profile—acidulant, chelator, preservative—makes it a single-source chemical for diverse requirements, reducing supply chain complexity and enabling consolidated purchasing.

Eco-Friendly Profile

Being biodegradable and low in toxicity, Citric Acid Monohydrate aligns with environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. This reduces disposal concerns and supports green manufacturing initiatives, especially relevant in regulated sectors.

Reliable Supply in East Africa

Zenco Systems Ltd ensures consistent availability across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Their robust supply chain and product expertise minimize stock-outs and support timely production planning for customers throughout East Africa.

Packaging Information

Citric Acid Monohydrate is supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd in packaging suited for industrial handling and regional transport. Standard packaging includes 25 kg and 50 kg multi-layer paper bags with plastic liners for moisture resistance. For larger scale users, 200L drums are available to facilitate bulk storage and dosing. These packaging formats align with logistic capacities common in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Special packaging requests or larger bulk deliveries can be arranged based on order volume and delivery location.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Storage and Handling

Citric Acid Monohydrate should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent caking and degradation. Containers must remain tightly sealed in moisture-proof bags or drums. Due to its hygroscopic nature, prolonged exposure to ambient moisture will reduce flowability and handling efficiency. Segregate from strong oxidizers and bases to avoid chemical reactions. Handling requires gloves and masks to prevent skin and respiratory irritation. Stability under these conditions typically exceeds one year, but consult supplier for specific shelf life guarantees.

Safety Information

Citric Acid Monohydrate is generally regarded as safe when handled properly but can cause skin and eye irritation on direct contact. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks should be used during handling and transfer. In case of contact, affected areas should be rinsed with plenty of water. Spillages should be cleaned with minimal dust generation and disposed of according to local regulations. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd for comprehensive handling and emergency procedures.

Technical Specifications

pH3.2 to 3.5 (1% aqueous solution)

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

Density1.665 g/cm³ (solid form)

FormulaC6H8O7·H2O

Packaging25 kg bags, 50 kg bags, 200L drums

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number5949-29-1

SolubilitySoluble in water (133 g/100 mL at 20°C), insoluble in ethanol

Chemical NameCitric Acid Monohydrate

Storage ConditionsCool, dry, moisture-proof sealed containers

Applications

Food preservation
pH control
Detergent manufacturing
Water treatment
Pharmaceutical raw material
Cosmetic formulation

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

pH3.2 to 3.5 (1% aqueous solution)

GradeConfirm with supplier

PurityConfirm with supplier

Density1.665 g/cm³ (solid form)

FormulaC6H8O7·H2O

Packaging25 kg bags, 50 kg bags, 200L drums

AppearanceWhite crystalline powder

CAS Number5949-29-1

SolubilitySoluble in water (133 g/100 mL at 20°C), insoluble in ethanol

Chemical NameCitric Acid Monohydrate

Storage ConditionsCool, dry, moisture-proof sealed containers

Product Features

- White crystalline powder form
- Highly soluble in water
- Weak organic acid with mild acidity
- Chelates metal ions effectively
- Biodegradable and low toxicity
- Stable under dry storage conditions

Industries Served

- Food processing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Cosmetics production
- Detergent and cleaning products
- Water treatment facilities
- Agriculture and agrochemicals

Product Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions About Citric Acid Monohydrate

What is Citric Acid Monohydrate primarily used for?

It’s used mainly for pH control, food preservation, chelation of metal ions in cleaning formulations, and as a raw material in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics manufacturing.

How should Citric Acid Monohydrate be dosed in water treatment?

Dosage varies with metal ion concentration and water hardness but typically ranges from 10 to 50 mg/L. Exact dosing should be determined by water quality analysis.

Is Citric Acid Monohydrate food-grade and safe for consumption?

Yes, but confirm the grade with Zenco Systems Ltd at purchase to ensure compliance with food safety standards required for your application.

What are the recommended storage conditions for Citric Acid Monohydrate in East Africa?

Store in sealed, moisture-proof containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent caking and degradation.

Do you supply Citric Acid Monohydrate outside Kenya?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries, using a robust logistics network to ensure timely delivery.

What personal protective equipment is required when handling Citric Acid Monohydrate?

Use gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks to prevent skin contact, eye irritation, and inhalation of dust during handling.

Can Citric Acid Monohydrate be used for detergent manufacturing?

Yes, it is widely used to soften water by chelating hardness ions, improving detergent efficiency and product stability.

What packaging sizes are available for this chemical?

Typical packaging includes 25 kg and 50 kg bags as well as 200L drums, suitable for varied industrial scales in the region.