- Registry number
- CHEM-005
- Preferred designation
- Citric acid
- Common names
- Citric acid · 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
- Chemical formula
- C₆H₈O₇
- CAS registry
- 77-92-9
- PubChem CID
- 311
- Formula mass
- 192.12 g/mol
- Class
- Organic carboxylic acid
Description & appearance
Colorless crystalline material, typically sold as a white solid.
Occurrence & historical provenance
Occurs naturally in citrus fruits and as a central metabolite in living organisms. Commercial production is generally industrial fermentation.
Established uses
Food acidity regulation, chelation, cleaning chemistry, and formulation science.
Hazards & handling context
Concentrated solutions and solid dust can irritate eyes. Dilution and concentration are important context for hazard statements.
Important distinctions
Anhydrous citric acid and citric-acid monohydrate are related but have different molar masses.
Source ledger
The following reference records were consulted for chemical identity and general descriptive claims. Industrial grades, formulations, and mixtures may have different hazard profiles.
Catalogued 2026-11-11 · PyreArms 0.2.0. This is an authored reference entry, not a certificate of laboratory analysis.