CITRIC ACID (ICSC)

CITRIC ACID	ICSC: 0855

Date of peer-review: March 1998

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
beta-Hydroxytricarballylic acid
Anhydrous citric acid

CAS #	77-92-9	C₆H₈O₇ / CH₂COOH-C(OH)COOH-CH₂COOH
RTECS #	GE7350000	Molecular mass: 192.1
UN #
EC #

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible.	NO open flames.	Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.	Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
Inhalation	Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.	Ventilation (not if powder).	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves.	Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Sore throat.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. (Extra personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles).

EU Classification
UN Classification

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, metal nitrates and metals. Dry.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2001

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CITRIC ACID

ICSC: 0855

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 175°C. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts with oxidants and bases. Attacks metal.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established. MAK not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a nuisance-causing concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the teeth, resulting in erosion.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Decomposes below boiling point at 175°C
Melting point: 153°C
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 59

Flash point: 100°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 0.28-2.29
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -1.7

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Citric acid (FAO Nutrition Meetings Report Series 40abc)
       CITRIC ACID (JECFA Evaluation)
       Citric acid (SIDS)