Citric Acid Monohydrate is an important organic acid and multifunctional additive, renowned for its excellent chelating ability, pleasant acidity, and high safety profile. It plays a critical role in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The production primarily utilizes microbial fermentation, followed by crystallization and purification processes to obtain the monohydrate crystal form.

❋ Aliases: 3-Hydroxy-3-carboxypentanedioic Acid Monohydrate
❋ English Name: Citric Acid Monohydrate
❋ Chemical Formula: C₆H₈O₇·H₂O
❋ Molecular Weight: 210.14
❋ CAS Number: 5949-29-1

Key Properties: Mild and pleasant acidity, excellent chelating ability, high water solubility, good biocompatibility

Advanced Application Scenarios

1. "Flavor Enhancer and Preservative" in Food & Beverage

• Used in carbonated beverages as an acidulant, providing a refreshing sourness and stabilizing pH within 2.8-3.5.

• Acts as a synergist in antioxidant mixtures for oils and fats, extending shelf life by over 30%.

2. "Effervescent Reactant and Stabilizer" in Pharmaceuticals

• A key component in effervescent tablets and granules, reacting with carbonates to produce CO₂, ensuring rapid disintegration within 2 minutes.

• Used as a pH buffer and stabilizer in liquid formulations, such as syrups and injections, to maintain drug stability.

3. "Green Chelating Agent and Cleaning Booster" in Industrial & Household Cleaning

• Replaces phosphates in eco-friendly detergents, effectively chelating Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions, improving cleaning efficiency without causing eutrophication.

• Used in metal surface cleaning and passivation, removing oxides and enhancing corrosion resistance.

4. "Performance Modifier and Cross-linking Aid" in New Materials & Cosmetics

• Serves as a cross-linking agent and modifier in biodegradable polymer (e.g., PLA) synthesis, enhancing thermal stability and mechanical properties.

• Used as a pH adjuster and antioxidant in cosmetics (e.g., lotions, creams), ensuring skin compatibility and formulation stability.

Technological Breakthroughs and Sustainable Development

Fermentation Technology Innovation

• Developed high-yield strain screening and metabolic engineering technologies, increasing fermentation titers to over 200 g/L and reducing production costs by 25%.

• Implemented membrane filtration and continuous ion exchange purification processes, reducing water consumption by 40% and chemical usage by 30%.

Crystallization Process Optimization

• Adopted controlled cooling crystallization and ultrasonic-assisted technologies, achieving crystal size distribution (CSD) uniformity with over 90% of particles between 100-500 µm, improving flowability.

• Utilized fluidized bed drying for the monohydrate, precisely controlling moisture content between 7.5%-8.5% to prevent dehydration or caking.

Sustainability & Green Manufacturing

• Utilizes agricultural residues (e.g., molasses, cassava starch) as fermentation feedstocks, reducing reliance on grain-based raw materials.

• Implements a "Zero Liquid Discharge" (ZLD) system, recycling process wastewater and recovering valuable by-products like gypsum.

Quality Control & Compliance

• Upgraded to HPLC and ICP-MS for online quality monitoring, ensuring key impurity levels (e.g., oxalic acid ≤ 100 ppm, heavy metals ≤ 5 ppm).

• Complies with major international standards: USP, EP, FCC, and JECFA.

Technical Advantages

Quality Advantages

• Assay (on anhydrous basis): 99.5% - 100.5%

• Readily Carbonizable Substances: Passes test (USP)

• Oxalate: ≤ 100 ppm

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: White or almost white, crystalline powder

• Solubility: Very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96%)

Application Support

• Provides technical data sheets (TDS) and formulation advice for specific applications (e.g., optimal usage levels in beverages, compatibility in cleaning agents).

• Offers samples for customer trials and assists in troubleshooting processing issues.