Table 2 Main applications of citric acid and related chemical function
From: Citric acid: emerging applications of key biotechnology industrial product
Application | Reason |
|---|---|
Pharmaceutically active substances, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetic products | Many APIs are supplied as their citrate salt. Effervescent tablets and preparations (via reaction with bicarbonate or carbonate), aiding the dissolution of APIs and improving palatability. Effervescent systems are widely used in teeth-cleaning products, pain relief and vitamin tablets. Very effective buffering system for pH control used in a wide range of for improving stability |
Food | Enhancing the activity of antioxidant preservatives (citrate powerful chelating agent for trace metal ions) |
Flavouring agent | Sharp, acid taste of citric acid can help mask the unpleasant, medicinal taste of pharmaceuticals |
Diuretic | Potassium citrate has diuretic properties |
Blood anticoagulant | Citrate chelates calcium, reducing the tendency for blood to clot |
Environmental remediation | Chelating agent sequestering heavy metals, including radioactive isotopes, easing also removal of hydrophobic organic compounds |
Beverage | Acidulant and pH stabilizer |