1. Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Citric Acid is a weak organic acid, supplied as white, clear crystals, which exists naturally in citrus fruits and is industrially produced by the fermentation of sugars. This versatile substance, acting as an acidity regulator, chelating agent, and sour flavoring, plays a vital role in the food and beverage industries and, due to its high safety profile (GRAS), is also used in pharmaceutical and personal care products.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Food Grade Monohydrate | Anhydrous Grade | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 99.5 – 100.5 | ≥ 99.8 | % |
| Water | 7.5 – 9.0 | ≤ 0.5 | % |
| Sulfated Ash | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.03 | % |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 5 | ≤ 3 | ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 10 | ≤ 5 | ppm |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 150 | ≤ 100 | ppm |
| Appearance | Clear white crystals | Fine white powder | – |
3. Features & Benefits
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Guaranteed Food Safety: Manufactured in compliance with FCC and WHO standards, suitable for all edible and potable products without usage restrictions.
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Excellent Chelating Power: Absorbs and deactivates metal ions (like iron and copper), preventing discoloration, oxidation, and spoilage in food products.
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Exceptional Solubility: Rapid and complete dissolution in both cold and hot water, simplifying the formulation of beverages and syrups.
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Mild, Natural Sour Taste: Creates a desirable, natural citrus flavor without any unpleasant bitterness or chemical aftertaste.
4. Industrial Applications
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Food & Beverage Industry: The primary acidulant in soft drinks, fruit juices, candies, jams, and canned goods (E330).
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Pharmaceutical Industry: An effervescent agent in vitamin tablets, a pH adjuster in syrups, and a taste improver for medicines.
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Cosmetics & Personal Care: A pH regulator in creams, lotions, and skincare products and a mild Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliant.
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Industrial & Household Cleaners: A descaler and limescale remover for surfaces, an effective remover of hard water deposits, and a safe alternative to strong mineral acids.
5. Safety & Handling
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MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): This substance is non-toxic, but its dust is an eye and respiratory tract irritant. Prolonged skin contact may cause dryness. The Arnico MSDS file is available.
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Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed bags, in a dry, cool place (temperature below 30°C), away from moisture and alkaline materials. The anhydrous grade is highly hygroscopic.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When decanting the powder, the use of a dust mask and safety goggles is recommended.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
All Arnico Citric Acid shipments are accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a certificate of compliance with FCC and USP standards, ensuring confident consumption by food and pharmaceutical buyers.
