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Chemical Datasheet

CITRIC ACID

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 77-92-9
none data unavailable
  • CIT
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • CITRIC ACID
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
Colorless, odorless crystals with an acid taste. Denser than water. (USCG, 1999)

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
The pure material is moisture sensitive (undergoes slow hydrolysis) Water soluble.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Melts and decomposes. The reaction is not hazardous. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Inhalation of dust irritates nose and throat. Contact with eyes causes irritation. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
CITRIC ACID reacts with oxidizing agents, bases, reducing agents and metal nitrates (NTP, 1992). Reactions with metal nitrates are potentially explosive. Heating to the point of decomposition causes emission of acrid smoke and fumes [Lewis].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbent listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
No information available.
Firefighting
Fire Extinguishing Agents: Water, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (USCG, 1999)
Non-Fire Response
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this chemical under refrigerated temperatures, and protect it from moisture. (NTP, 1992)
Protective Clothing
Dust mask; goggles or face shield; protective gloves (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Citric acid (50%) 77-92-9 Liquid >480
Citric acid (sat) 77-92-9 Liquid >480 >480
Hydroxy 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2- (50%) 77-92-9 Liquid >480
Hydroxy 1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, 2- (sat) 77-92-9 Liquid >480 >480
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. If symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop, immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C6H8O7
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 0.28 kg/m3 (dust) (NTP, 1992)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 2.29 kg/m3 (dust) (NTP, 1992)
Autoignition Temperature: 1850°F (USCG, 1999)
Melting Point: 307°F (anhydrous) (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.54 at 68°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: Decomposes (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 192.14 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72°F (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

No PAC information available.

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names