About Citric Acid
Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇) is a natural organic acid essential for energy production in all living organisms and a versatile ingredient across multiple industries.
Natural Source
Abundantly found in citrus fruits, especially lemons
Chemical Formula
C₆H₈O₇ - 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
Environmentally Safe
Biodegradable and non-toxic chemical compound
Multi-Industry Use
Essential in food, s, cosmetics, and industrial applications
Physical Properties
- Appearance: White crystalline powder or colorless crystals
- Melting Point: 153°C (anhydrous form)
- Density: 1.542 g/cm³
- Water Solubility: 590 g/L at 20°C
- Taste: Strong acidic, odorless
Chemical Properties
Citric acid exhibits versatile chemical behavior:
Solubility Characteristics
Temperature-Dependent Water Solubility
| Temperature (°C) | Solubility (g/100g water) | Crystal Form |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 54.0 | Monohydrate |
| 20 | 59.2 | Monohydrate |
| 30 | 64.3 | Monohydrate |
| 40 | 68.6 | Anhydrous |
| 50 | 70.9 | Anhydrous |
| 60 | 73.5 | Anhydrous |
| 70 | 76.2 | Anhydrous |
| 80 | 78.8 | Anhydrous |
| 90 | 81.4 | Anhydrous |
| 100 | 84.0 | Anhydrous |
Organic Solvent Solubility at 25°C
| Solvent | Form | Solubility (g/100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol | Monohydrate | 62.8 |
| Methanol | Monohydrate | 197.0 |
| Ethyl Acetate | Monohydrate | 5.28 |
| Diethyl Ether | Monohydrate | 2.17 |
| Acetone | Monohydrate | 1.52 |
| Chloroform | Monohydrate | 0.007 |
| Benzene | Anhydrous | 0.05 |
IMLI Citric Acid Manufacturing Process
At our Agra manufacturing facility, we produce and food citric acid through advanced fermentation technology using Aspergillus niger.
IMLI manufacturing facility in Agra, Uttar Pradesh
6-Step Manufacturing Process
Raw Material Preparation
Natural feedstocks including molasses are sterilized and prepared under controlled conditions to create optimal fermentation media.
Fermentation Process
Aspergillus niger fermentation under controlled pH, temperature, and aeration for 5-6 days to produce citric acid.
Separation & Filtration
Mycelium separation and broth filtration using advanced filtration systems to obtain clear citric acid solution.
Purification
Calcium citrate precipitation followed by acidulation with sulfuric acid to obtain pure citric acid solution.
Crystallization
Controlled evaporation and crystallization to produce either monohydrate or anhydrous citric acid crystals.
Drying & Packaging
Final drying, sieving, and packaging in food-HDPE bags under hygienic conditions for storage and shipping.
IMLI Process Advantages
High Purity
99.8% pure pharmaceutical output
Eco-Friendly
Zero chemical waste, sustainable process
Cost Effective
Optimized for maximum yield and efficiency
Scalable
Industrial-scale production capability
Citric Acid Applications
Versatile applications across multiple industries make citric acid an essential ingredient in modern manufacturing.
Food & Beverages
- Acidulant in soft drinks & juices
- Preservative in canned foods
- Flavor enhancer in candies
- pH regulator in dairy products
Cosmetics
- pH adjuster in shampoos
- Exfoliant in skin care
- Preservative in lotions
- Chelating agent in creams
Cleaning Products
- Descaling agent for appliances
- Rust remover in cleaners
- Eco-friendly detergent
- Water softening agent
Industrial Uses
- Textile dyeing & printing
- Metal cleaning & plating
- Paper manufacturing
- Oil field applications
Agriculture
- pH regulator in fertilizers
- Chelating agent in micronutrients
- Soil conditioner
- Animal feed additive