Citric Acid Monohydrate: Acidulant, Buffer and Chelating Agent
Citric acid monohydrate is the hydrated form of citric acid, a tricarboxylic acid naturally abundant in citrus fruits. It is one of the most versatile excipients in pharmaceutical formulation, functioning as an acidulant, buffering agent, chelator, and effervescent acid. Its GRAS status, excellent safety profile, and compatibility with virtually all other excipients make it a formulation staple across oral, topical, and parenteral dosage forms.
Product Profile
| CAS Number | 5949-29-1 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₈O₇·H₂O |
| Appearance | White or colourless crystalline powder or granules |
| Function | Acidulant / buffer / chelating agent / effervescent acid |
| Typical Use Level | 0.3–2.0% as buffer; 15–50% as effervescent acid component |
| Compendial Grade | EP / USP-NF / JP |
Formulation Applications
In effervescent tablets, citric acid monohydrate reacts with sodium bicarbonate to generate CO₂, providing rapid disintegration and dissolution. Paired with sodium citrate, it forms a citrate buffer system effective in the pH 3.0–6.5 range, widely used in oral liquids and parenteral formulations. As a chelating agent, it sequesters metal ions that would otherwise catalyse oxidative degradation of sensitive APIs. In food and beverages, citric acid is the most common acidulant, providing the tartness in soft drinks, candies, and preserved foods. The monohydrate form is preferred over anhydrous for effervescent tableting because it is less hygroscopic and easier to process, though it releases its water of crystallisation during granulation, which must be accounted for in process design.
Why Source from TCS
TCS supplies Citric Acid Monohydrate in pharmaceutical and food grades to formulators across Europe. Available in standard packaging with flexible quantities for R&D through production scale. Contact us with your application and volume requirements.
FAQ
What information should be included in an inquiry for Citric Acid Monohydrate 5949-29-1?
A useful inquiry normally includes the product name, target application, estimated quantity, destination market, and any specific documentation or packaging requests.
How is Citric Acid Monohydrate 5949-29-1 usually evaluated for sourcing?
This product is positioned for excipient sourcing where formulation fit, dosage form, handling, and repeat purchasing requirements need to be reviewed together with commercial supply conditions.
What documentation and commercial points are commonly reviewed before buying Citric Acid Monohydrate 5949-29-1?
For excipient sourcing, teams usually discuss the intended dosage form, formulation role, packaging format, order volume, and the routine documentation needed for qualification and purchasing.
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