C12H18O11

C12H18O11, also known as citric acid, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H8O7. It is a weak organic acid, found naturally in citrus fruits. Citric acid is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, a series of chemical reactions used by organisms to obtain energy from glucose. It plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes, including energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and pH regulation. Citric acid is also widely used in the food and beverage industry as a preservative and acidulant. It is produced industrially through fermentation of sugars by the fungus Aspergillus niger. The compound is soluble in water and has a pKa value of 3.13, indicating its weak acidic nature. Citric acid is non-toxic and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities. It is often used in skincare products due to its astringent properties.