For any chemical procurement, particularly for industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, understanding and verifying product specifications is non-negotiable. Citric Acid Monohydrate, a ubiquitous organic acid, comes with a set of detailed quality parameters that ensure its suitability for intended applications. As a leading manufacturer and supplier in China, we prioritize transparency and adherence to these critical specifications, ensuring our clients receive the highest quality Citric Acid Monohydrate.

The fundamental specifications for Citric Acid Monohydrate typically revolve around its physical appearance, chemical purity (assay), water content, and the levels of various impurities. A standard specification for appearance is a 'White or almost white, crystalline powder, colourless crystals or granules,' which should also be 'odourless, with a strongly acid taste.' This visual inspection is the first step in quality control.

The 'Assay' is a measure of the citric acid content. For both anhydrous and monohydrate forms, the typical assay requirement is between 99.5% to 100.5% or 99.5% to 101.5% respectively. This high purity is essential for consistent performance in formulations. For Citric Acid Monohydrate, the 'Water Content' is a key differentiating factor, usually specified within a range of 7.5% to 8.8%, reflecting its hydrated crystalline structure.

Impurities are closely monitored to ensure safety and efficacy, especially in food and pharmaceutical grades. Common impurity limits include:

  • Sulphated Ash (Residue on Ignition): Typically ≤0.05%. This indicates the inorganic residue left after ignition.
  • Sulfate: Usually ≤150 mg/kg. High sulfate levels can affect taste and stability.
  • Oxalate: Often specified as ≤100 mg/kg. Oxalates can be a concern in certain biological applications.
  • Lead: A critical heavy metal, typically limited to ≤0.5 mg/kg or ≤1 mg/kg depending on the grade.
  • Arsenic: Another regulated heavy metal, usually specified as ≤1.0 mg/kg.
  • Mercury: A toxic heavy metal, with limits often at ≤1.0 mg/kg.
  • Aluminium: Usually ≤0.2 mg/kg, particularly important for pharmaceutical applications.
  • Heavy Metals: A general category, often with a combined limit of ≤5.0 mg/kg.
  • Bacterial Endotoxins: Crucial for parenteral or injectable drug products, with limits like ≤0.5 IU/mg.

Adherence to these specifications is vital. For instance, when you buy pharmaceutical grade citric acid, you must ensure it meets USP or BP standards. Similarly, for food applications, FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) compliance is key. As a reliable citric acid monohydrate supplier, we provide detailed Certificates of Analysis (CoA) with each batch, confirming compliance with all relevant specifications.

The mesh size also impacts how the product dissolves and integrates into a formulation. Common ranges like 8-40 mesh for monohydrate and 30-100 mesh for anhydrous are standard. Understanding these specifications allows procurement managers and R&D scientists to confidently select the right product. When you are looking to purchase citric acid, always request the relevant specification sheets and CoAs from your citric acid manufacturer.

Ensuring that the Citric Acid Monohydrate you purchase meets these rigorous standards is fundamental to the quality and safety of your final products. We are committed to providing consistent quality and can offer expert advice on selecting the best grade and specifications for your unique needs. Contact us today to get detailed specification sheets and a quote for your Citric Acid Monohydrate requirements.