TCS Industries Limited (China-sourced API supplier) supplies Citric Acid –- Multifunctional Acidulant, Buffer & Chelating Agent CAS 77-92-9 for pharmaceutical B2B procurement — COA, MSDS, and technical documentation available on request.
> Overview
| Product Name | Citric Acid –- Multifunctional Acidulant, Buffer & Chelating Agent |
|---|---|
| Structural Formula |  |
| CAS Number | 77-92-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₈O₇ |
| Molecular Weight | 192.12 g/mol |
| InChIKey | KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | Available on request where applicable |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or granules |
| Purity / Grade | By agreed specification and batch COA |
| Storage | Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place |
Citric Acid (CAS 77-92-9) is a tricarboxylic acid with the formula C₆H₈O₇ (MW 192.12), occurring naturally in citrus fruits and produced commercially by fermentation of glucose or sucrose using Aspergillus niger. Citric acid is among the most produced organic acids globally, used as an acidulant, chelator, preservative, and pH buffer in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications.
TCS Industries Limited, a Hong Kong-based trading and sourcing company, supplies Citric Acid Anhydrous in food (FCC/E330) and pharmaceutical (USP/Ph.Eur.) grades for global procurement programs.
> Applications
Food acidulant and flavor enhancer
Citric acid (E330) is used as an acidulant in carbonated beverages, fruit juices, jams, confectionery, dairy products, and canned foods. It provides a clean sour taste, controls pH, enhances fruit flavors, and acts as a preservative through pH reduction. In beverages, typical use levels are 1–5 g/L. Berovic et al. (Biotechnol Annu Rev, 2007, 13:303–343) reviewed the fermentation technology and process optimization for citric acid production by A. niger.
Pharmaceutical excipient and chelator
Citric acid (USP/Ph.Eur.) is used in effervescent formulations (paired with bicarbonates), oral solutions, syrups, and as a pH adjuster in parenteral preparations. It chelates metal ions (Fe, Cu, Ca) and is used as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes (sodium citrate). Listed in the FDA IID for multiple dosage forms.
> Sourcing & Supply
TCS Industries Limited supports development, qualification and commercial purchasing discussions for Citric Acid –- Multifunctional Acidulant, Buffer & Chelating Agent with buyers in South America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.
- Evaluation and commercial quantities: 25 kg bags for qualification; pallet and bulk (1000 kg FIBC) for production. Anhydrous and monohydrate forms in food and pharma grades available.
- Pallet quantities and production campaigns: repeat supply is coordinated against packaging, lead time, annual demand and destination-market import requirements.
> Quality & Documentation
Key specification parameters include assay (≥99.5% on dried basis per USP/FCC), water content (anhydrous: ≤0.5%), sulfated ash (≤0.05%), sulfate, oxalate, readily carbonizable substances, heavy metals (Pb ≤0.5 ppm), arsenic, and microbial limits. White crystalline granules or powder. Identity confirmed by melting point (153 °C), specific tests for citrate ion. COA and MSDS are standard.
> Packaging
Citric acid anhydrous is a free-flowing white crystalline solid, non-hygroscopic under normal conditions. Standard packaging includes 25 kg polypropylene woven bags with PE liner, palletized and shrink-wrapped. 1000 kg FIBC for bulk orders. Store at room temperature in dry conditions. Shelf life is typically 36 months. Labels and documents are checked before dispatch.
> Pricing & MOQ
Pricing is quoted by specification, packaging and destination. Common commercial discussions use 25 kg bag/drum formats, pallet quantities and production-campaign planning; smaller samples may be reviewed for qualified formulation teams.
> Regulatory & Compounding Context
Citric acid is approved as a food additive in the EU (E330, quantum satis for most categories). GRAS in the US (21 CFR 182.1033). Monographed in USP, Ph.Eur. (Acidum citricum anhydricum), BP, JP, and FCC. No ADI specified (JECFA: ADI not limited). Listed in the FDA IID. On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (as anticoagulant component). No special import permits.
> Alias Index
- IUPAC: 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid
- CAS Number: 77-92-9 (anhydrous)
- Formula: C₆H₈O₇ (MW 192.12)
- EU food additive: E330
- Related salts: Sodium citrate (E331), Potassium citrate (E332), Calcium citrate (E333)
- Pharmacopoeial name: Acidum citricum anhydricum (Ph.Eur.)
- InChIKey: KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- Commercial request terms: citric acid anhydrous food grade, E330, pharmaceutical acidulant, USP citric acid, TCS Industries Limited
> FAQ
What is the difference between Citric Acid Anhydrous and Monohydrate?
Citric acid anhydrous (CAS 77-92-9, MW 192.12) is water-free. Citric acid monohydrate (CAS 5949-29-1, MW 210.14) contains one molecule of water of crystallization. Anhydrous is preferred for dry mix formulations and effervescent tablets. Monohydrate is used in applications where crystal water does not affect the process. Both have identical citric acid content on a dry basis.
What documents are available for Citric Acid –- Multifunctional Acidulant, Buffer & Chelating Agent orders?
COA and MSDS are standard for commercial discussions. COO, packing list, invoice and other import-support documents can be arranged according to order scope.
Can TCS Industries Limited support Citric Acid –- Multifunctional Acidulant, Buffer & Chelating Agent supply to South America?
Yes. We support B2B buyers in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname, subject to route and document review.
Do you support Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada?
Yes. These destinations can be reviewed for project supply, import documents, packaging and logistics planning before quotation.
Is Citric Acid produced by fermentation?
Yes. Over 99% of global citric acid production uses submerged fermentation of glucose or sucrose with Aspergillus niger. The fermentation broth is processed through precipitation (calcium citrate), acidification, crystallization, and drying. Synthetic production from acetone is no longer commercially significant.
Why is Citric Acid used in effervescent tablets?
Citric acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate in the presence of water to generate CO₂ gas, producing the effervescent effect. The typical acid:base ratio is 1:1 to 1:1.5 by weight. Anhydrous citric acid is preferred to prevent premature reaction during tablet production.
Can you arrange samples before commercial purchasing?
Samples or evaluation quantities may be reviewed for qualified buyers after target specification, application and destination-market requirements are clarified.
How is Citric Acid –- Multifunctional Acidulant, Buffer & Chelating Agent packaged for export?
Packaging is confirmed by quantity and material properties. Typical options include foil bags, HDPE containers, fibre drums, 25 kg bags or palletized export packaging.
Can buyer-defined specifications be reviewed?
Yes. Send the specification, methods, impurity limits and required documents. TCS can review feasibility before confirming quotation and lead time.
What payment terms are normally used?
Standard payment is 100% T/T before dispatch unless a different arrangement has been approved for an established commercial account.
What lead time should buyers expect?
Lead time depends on stock, batch size, document scope and destination. Available stock can move faster; made-to-order or pallet programs require longer planning.
Is Citric Acid a chelator?
Yes. Citric acid chelates metal ions (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) through its three carboxyl groups and one hydroxyl group. This property is exploited for: antioxidant synergy (chelating pro-oxidant metals in food), descaling, blood anticoagulation (chelating Ca²⁺), and pharmaceutical stability enhancement.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Evaluation and research orders (≤10 kg) are shipped with COA, MSDS, and certificate of origin. Bulk commercial orders (>10 kg) qualify for volume pricing with a full technical documentation package available on request.
> Request a Quote
If your team already has a target application, estimated quantity, destination market, or documentation requirements, send those details so the commercial response can be prepared more efficiently.