Introduction to Citric Acid Monohydrate

Citric acid monohydrate is one of the most widely used organic acids in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Known as E330 in food labeling, this compound acts as a natural preservative, flavor enhancer, and pH regulator. It exists as colorless crystals or white powder with high solubility in water, making it ideal for both dry and liquid applications.

Derived primarily from fermentation of sugar substrates using Aspergillus niger fungus, citric acid monohydrate includes one molecule of water (monohydrate form), giving it distinct properties compared to its anhydrous counterpart. The monohydrate form is more stable at room temperature and is commonly used in applications that require controlled moisture behavior.

Its safety profile is well-established. The US FDA has classified citric acid as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), and it is approved globally as a food additive and processing aid. With its multifunctionality and wide regulatory acceptance, understanding its physical properties—including molecular weight—is crucial for correct dosing in formulations.

 

What Is the Molecular Weight of Citric Acid Monohydrate?

The molecular weight of citric acid monohydrate is 210.14 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the molecular weight of anhydrous citric acid (192.12 g/mol) to one molecule of water (18.02 g/mol). Molecular weight is essential for preparing accurate molar concentrations in both chemical and industrial processes.

In formulation science, knowing the precise molecular weight ensures accurate calculations of acidity, reactivity, and solubility. For example, pharmaceutical applications involving buffering or excipient properties require exact molar equivalence to ensure product safety and efficacy.

Incorrect assumptions about molecular weight can lead to under- or overdosing, especially in precise environments like food fortification or drug delivery systems. Therefore, citric acid monohydrate’s 210.14 g/mol value is more than just a number—it’s a foundational metric for chemists and manufacturers alike.

 

Why Molecular Weight Matters in Industrial Formulations

When creating product formulations—whether it’s a beverage, effervescent tablet, or detergent—understanding the molecular weight of ingredients ensures balance and consistency. Citric acid monohydrate plays a crucial role in pH regulation and chemical buffering, and these effects are quantitatively tied to its molecular structure.

Formulators calculate exact dosages using molecular weight as a base value to achieve the intended results, such as tartness in beverages or reactivity in cleaning agents. This is particularly critical in the production of citric-acid-based buffers or chelating agents where molar accuracy is necessary.

Beyond chemistry, the molecular weight also informs packaging, labeling, and regulatory documentation. For example, MSDS sheets, COAs, and nutritional labels all rely on accurate molecular data. A slight deviation can lead to compliance issues, recalls, or failed quality tests—hence why it’s essential for commercial buyers to verify specifications upon procurement.

 

Applications in Food, Pharma, and Beyond

In the food industry, citric acid monohydrate is used to add acidity, enhance flavors, and preserve shelf life. Its predictable reactivity—based on known molecular weight—makes it easy to standardize in beverages, candies, jams, and dairy products. Its chelating ability also stabilizes metal ions in foods, preventing off-flavors and color degradation.

The pharmaceutical sector benefits from citric acid’s buffering properties. It’s used in effervescent formulations, oral rehydration salts, and injectable buffers. Again, molecular weight determines how much active citric acid is delivered in each dose. Some drug stability profiles even depend on precise acid-base balance facilitated by this compound.

In industrial use, such as cleaning agents and water treatment, citric acid’s performance as a metal chelator and scale remover is based on its molecular attributes. The monohydrate form offers controlled dissolution rates, important for timed-release cleaning formulations. In all these cases, accurate knowledge of molecular weight ensures optimal performance and regulatory compliance.

 

Commercial Importance and Sourcing Considerations

For manufacturers, sourcing citric acid monohydrate from reputable suppliers is vital. Apart from competitive pricing, suppliers must provide full technical documentation including molecular weight specifications, moisture content, and purity analysis. Look for ISO-certified producers with consistent batch-to-batch performance.

At foodadditivesasia.com, we connect B2B buyers with high-quality suppliers of food-grade citric acid monohydrate, ensuring accurate molecular profiles, regulatory certifications (Halal, Kosher, FSSC 22000), and global delivery support. We also offer supply chain solutions for bulk purchasing, private labeling, and long-term contracts.

Understanding the commercial aspect of citric acid’s molecular weight means recognizing its role in cost calculations, dosage efficiency, and quality assurance. Buyers can avoid formulation errors, wastage, and downstream production problems by ensuring every kilogram purchased meets the 210.14 g/mol molecular standard.

 

Conclusion: Precision and Purity in Citric Acid Use

The molecular weight of citric acid monohydrate—210.14 g/mol—may seem like a technical detail, but it carries significant implications across industries. From ensuring accurate dosing in beverages to supporting stable chemical reactions in pharmaceuticals, this value defines the performance and safety of the additive.

Whether you’re a food technologist, chemist, or procurement officer, understanding molecular weight empowers smarter sourcing and reliable product development. Given the growing demand for high-purity, food-grade ingredients, citric acid monohydrate stands out as a versatile and dependable solution.

To source premium-quality citric acid monohydrate tailored for your industry, visit Food Additives Asia today. Our global network ensures that every shipment is traceable, tested, and tailored to meet your unique commercial needs.