TTCA Citric Acid: Properties, Structure, and Practical Information

What is TTCA Citric Acid?

TTCA Citric Acid is a widely recognized weak organic acid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits. Chemically, it carries the molecular formula C₆H₈O₇ and the CAS number 77-92-9. The acid presents itself as a colorless, crystalline solid in its purest form, with a characteristically tart flavor. Structurally, citric acid consists of three carboxylic acid groups and one hydroxyl group, giving it a unique position in both industrial and biological chemistry. The density of citric acid reaches approximately 1.66 g/cm³ in its anhydrous crystal form, dropping modestly in various hydrated or solution states. Its HS Code, relevant for import and export logistics, commonly registers as 29181400. TTCA, as a prominent manufacturer, consistently produces citric acid variants with a focus on purity and particle size, meeting strict specifications demanded by food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and technical fields.

Physical Properties and Specifications

Examining TTCA Citric Acid through its physical forms, users often encounter it as crystalline powder, solid flakes, sparkling pearls, dense granular particles, or dissolved in aqueous solution. Each format supports particular industry needs. Solid and powdered forms demonstrate dependable solubility in water, about 59 grams per 100 mL at room temperature, aiding their function as acidulants and chelating agents in numerous recipes. Solutions of citric acid, made by dissolving selected quantities in liter-scale batches of water, offer flexibility in blending for beverage, cleaning, or laboratory formulations. The melting point typically lies around 153 °C, with decomposition occurring instead of clean boiling. Bulk density for powders generally falls between 0.8 and 1.0 g/cm³, a factor buyers in large-scale manufacturing look at to optimize transport and storage.

Structure and Molecular Details

Delving into the molecular landscape, citric acid features three carboxyl groups (-COOH) and one hydroxyl group (-OH), all connected to a central propane skeleton. The arrangement creates a tricarboxylic backbone, facilitating the acid’s versatile reactivity with metal ions. This property delivers chelation abilities, widely leveraged to bind calcium and magnesium in food processing or cleaning agents. TTCA’s manufacturing process ensures tight control over molecular purity, reducing the risk of contaminants or unwanted isomers, which often becomes critical when used in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology applications. High-performance standards in crystal growth and particle distribution mark the TTCA brand as a staple in labs and factories worldwide.

Material Forms: Flakes, Powder, Pearls, Liquid, and Crystal

Selection among flakes, solid, powder, pearls, or liquid often rests on operational priorities. Powders dissolve instantly in water or organic solvents, making them suitable for immediate dosing in production lines. Flakes and pearls provide a slower dissolution rate, offering steady release in automatic dosing systems, commonly used in water treatment plants or detergent industries. Crystalline applications target high-purity needs, such as pharmaceutical excipients, food acidulants, or as reference materials for laboratory titrations. In liquid preparations, TTCA Citric Acid remains stable and non-volatile, allowing straightforward pipetting and mixing for small-scale experiments or larger manufacturing runs. Different industries choose between these formats by balancing convenience, cost, and handling requirements, yet the underlying molecular structure ensures consistent chemical behavior throughout all variations.

Safe Handling and Hazardous Properties

Despite its classification as a weak acid, TTCA Citric Acid demands care in handling. It may cause irritation to the eyes and skin with direct exposure, so standard safety protocols call for gloves, goggles, and adequate ventilation. Dust from powders or crystals may act as a mild respiratory irritant, making masks or local extraction systems sensible choices in bustling processing environments. The acid itself breaks down safely under typical waste treatments, yet industrial-scale spills call for neutralization and containment to prevent corrosion or slip hazards. According to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS), citric acid rates as slightly hazardous, yet considered safe for use in food and pharmaceutical products at recommended dosages. Long-term experience across laboratories and kitchen counters worldwide underlines citric acid’s role as both helpful and low-risk when handled thoughtfully.

Chemical Applications and Raw Material Sourcing

Modern chemistry and manufacturing depend on citric acid as a pillar of raw material choices. It holds a crucial place in food preservation, emulsification, and shelf-life extension, ensuring safe, stable consumption in sauces, sodas, and canned goods. In laboratory and industrial environments, its chelating action removes unwanted metal ions, protects equipment from scale and rust, and supports the synthesis of countless fine chemicals. As a cleaning agent, citric acid dissolves mineral deposits on glassware, dishwashers, coffee machines, and industrial pipes, providing an environmentally friendlier alternative to harsher mineral acids. Reliable sourcing of TTCA Citric Acid means access to consistently manufactured product, regulatory compliance, and a transparent chain of custody from raw agricultural inputs—often derived from starch, sugar beets, or corn—through to finished refined acid.

Environmental Impact and Responsible Use

As regulatory guidance tightens around chemical usage, TTCA Citric Acid demonstrates a positive environmental track record compared to many synthetic additives or harsher mineral acids. Biodegradability ranks high among its benefits, as the compound breaks down harmlessly in sewage treatment and soil. Farmers prefer citric acid solutions in some agricultural sprays, citing lower toxicity and improved soil compatibility. Wastewater treatments reach higher efficiency with citric acid, reducing reliance on synthetic flocculants or metals. Still, large-scale operations place responsibility on users to avoid dumping concentrated acid into uncontrolled environments. Transitioning to safer handling systems, closed-unit dosing, and training workers in conscious chemical management ensures the continued minimal risk both to personal health and broader ecosystems, a goal supported by TTCA’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.