IPCS INCHEM Home
CITRIC ACID
ICSC: 0855
Peer-Review Status: 26.03.1998 Validated
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
beta-Hydroxytricarballylic acid
Anhydrous citric acid 
CAS #: 77-92-9 RTECS #: GE7350000
EINECS #: 201-069-1
 		    Formula: C6H8O7 / CH2COOH-C(OH)COOH-CH2COOH
Molecular mass: 192.1

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.  NO open flames.  Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.   
 
EXPOSURE   PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!   
Inhalation Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.  Use 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.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion Abdominal pain. Sore throat.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention . 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.   
EC Classification
 
UN Classification
 
GHS Classification
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
  Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, metal nitrates and metals. Dry. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS CRYSTALS. 

Physical dangers
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes above 175°C . The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Reacts with oxidants and bases. Attacks metals. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (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 is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the teeth. This may result in erosion. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Decomposes at 175°C
Melting point: 153°C
Solubility in water, g/100ml 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   		 

NOTES
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC 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)