Citric Acid Monohydrate is a versatile organic acid widely used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
Citric Acid Monohydrate functions primarily as an acidulant and chelating agent, imparting a sharp, sour taste and controlling pH in numerous industrial applications.
Packaging
25kg bags, 50kg drums
Supply Region
Kenya, East Africa
Supplier
Zenco Systems Ltd
Citric Acid Monohydrate functions primarily as an acidulant and chelating agent, imparting a sharp, sour taste and controlling pH in numerous industrial applications. It readily dissolves in water, making it effective for both liquid and solid formulations where precise acidity is required. This compound is indispensable in the Foods & Beverages sector, where it adjusts acidity, preserves freshness, and enhances flavor profiles.
Industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics also benefit greatly from Citric Acid Monohydrate due to its non-toxic properties, chelation capacity, and buffering abilities. Its broad utility in manufacturing and processing plants across East Africa underscores its commercial significance. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies this product reliably across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, ensuring manufacturers have continual access to this essential raw material that supports consistency and quality in finished goods.
Chemically designated as 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid monohydrate with the formula C6H8O7·H2O and CAS number 5949-29-1, Citric Acid Monohydrate is a white crystalline powder known for its high solubility in water and characteristic sour taste. The monohydrate form indicates that a single water molecule is chemically bonded within the crystalline structure, affecting its melting point and hygroscopicity compared to the anhydrous form.
Its acidic function derives from three carboxyl groups capable of releasing protons, which lowers pH when dissolved. This makes it effective as an acidulant in food and pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally, its hydroxy group enables it to act as a chelating agent, sequestering metal ions that could otherwise degrade products or catalyze unwanted reactions. This chelation also improves stability and shelf life in various applications.
Performance characteristics vital to industry include its ability to maintain pH around 2.2 in aqueous solutions, compatibility with diverse ingredients, and safe profile for human consumption and environmental release. It is commonly employed where controlled acidity, antioxidant effects, or mineral ion binding are required. The product's stability at ambient temperatures and resistance to microbial attack reinforce its suitability across sectors.
Users in East Africa — including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — value its consistent quality and broad application scope, sourcing from trusted suppliers like Zenco Systems Ltd who offer verification and supply continuity. Its physicochemical properties influence dosage, formulation choices, and handling practices, all critical factors for industrial purchasers.
Citric Acid Monohydrate is widely applied in food preservation to inhibit microbial growth and enzymatic browning. By lowering pH and acting as a chelating agent, it stabilizes perishable products such as canned fruits, jams, and sauces. Typically dosed at concentrations between 0.1% and 0.5%, it extends shelf life while maintaining product safety and organoleptic properties.
In beverage manufacturing, it serves as a primary acidulant to provide tartness and balance sweetness in soft drinks, fruit juices, and powdered drink mixes. Citric Acid Monohydrate also prevents precipitation of metals and enhances flavor clarity. Usage typically ranges from 0.05% to 0.3%, depending on the beverage type and desired acidity.
Pharmaceutical applications include its role in effervescent tablets and powders, where it reacts with bicarbonates to release carbon dioxide, aiding disintegration and patient palatability. Its chelating property helps stabilize active ingredients by binding metal contaminants. Dosage is carefully controlled depending on formulation needs, ensuring efficacy and safety.
In cosmetics, Citric Acid Monohydrate adjusts pH to optimize product stability and skin compatibility. It also acts as an antioxidant by chelating trace metals that could degrade formulations such as creams, shampoos, and lotions. Typical usage levels range from 0.1% to 0.5% to maintain formulation integrity.
Citric Acid Monohydrate is utilized in water treatment for scale removal and preventing metal ion precipitation. It chelates hardness-causing minerals like calcium and magnesium, facilitating more effective cleaning and reducing deposits in boilers and cooling systems. Application dosages vary with water hardness and system design.
Its chelating ability enhances cleaning formulations by binding metal ions that inhibit detergent action. Citric Acid Monohydrate is used in household and industrial cleaners to boost efficiency against limescale, rust stains, and soap scum. It contributes to environmentally friendly formulations due to its biodegradability and low toxicity.
Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Foods & Beverages range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.
Citric Acid Monohydrate's dual role as an acidulant and chelating agent allows it to meet diverse application demands — from flavor enhancement in foods to stabilizing pharmaceuticals and breaking down mineral deposits in water treatment. This multifunctionality reduces the need for multiple additives, simplifying formulations and supply chains.
The monohydrate form dissolves readily and maintains consistent pH adjustment without unwanted precipitation. Its crystalline stability under typical storage conditions ensures long shelf life and predictable performance, critical for manufacturers seeking repeatability in large-scale operations.
Citric Acid Monohydrate is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it safe for use in food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning agents. This profile supports regulatory compliance and consumer trust, especially important in East African markets where product safety is closely monitored.
Zenco Systems Ltd’s established logistics and quality control across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania provide manufacturers with dependable access to this essential raw material. This reduces operational downtime and allows industrial customers to maintain continuous production schedules.
Citric Acid Monohydrate is commonly supplied in 25kg multi-ply paper bags suitable for dry, bulk storage, and 50kg drums for larger volume requirements. Zenco Systems Ltd offers these packaging formats optimized for ease of handling and transport within Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Bulk supply arrangements can be discussed for high-volume industrial customers, ensuring scalable solutions with efficient regional logistics.
Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg drums
Store Citric Acid Monohydrate in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, protected from moisture and contaminants to prevent caking and degradation. Use airtight or moisture-resistant containers compatible with acidic substances, avoiding direct contact with metals prone to corrosion. For safe handling, avoid generating dust and use personal protective equipment such as gloves and dust masks to minimize inhalation risks. Under recommended conditions, shelf life extends up to 2 years. Segregate from strong oxidizers and alkalis to prevent chemical reactions.
Citric Acid Monohydrate is classified as an irritant; avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes or prolonged contact with skin. Use appropriate personal protective equipment — gloves, goggles, and dust masks — during handling and transfer. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Dispose of in accordance with local regulations for acidic substances. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed hazard, first aid, and emergency response information.
It is primarily used as an acidulant for pH adjustment, a preservative in foods and beverages, a chelating agent in pharmaceuticals and water treatment, and a pH adjuster in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Typical dosage ranges from 0.05% to 0.3% by weight, adjusted based on desired acidity and beverage type. Precise dosing should follow product formulation guidelines.
Confirm grade and food-grade status with Zenco Systems Ltd at the time of ordering, since specifications may vary by batch or customer requirements.
Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from moisture and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers or alkalis.
Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies reliably across East Africa including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries with tailored logistics to ensure uninterrupted delivery.
Use protective gloves, dust masks, and goggles to avoid skin and eye irritation and inhalation of dust. Refer to the SDS for detailed safety protocols.
Standard packaging includes 25kg bags and 50kg drums, with bulk options available on request for industrial customers.
When stored properly in a cool, dry environment, shelf life can be up to 2 years without significant degradation.
Yes, it is commonly used in effervescent tablets and formulations requiring controlled acidity and metal ion chelation.
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