ORGANIC CHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site citric acid Citric acid molecule. Ball-and-stick model Picture credit: Wikimedia A white, crystalline, sour-tasting hydroxy-carboxylic acid that is present in citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, and is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Kreb's cycle) in plant and animal cells. Its chemical formula is HOOCCH2C(OH)– (COOH)CH2COOH, or C6H8O7. Relative molecular mass 192.1, relative density 1.54, melting point 153°C. Citric acid is made commercially by fermentation of crude sugar with the fungus Aspergillus niger and is used for flavoring, in effervescent salts, and as a mordant (color-fixer) in dyeing. Related category    • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP