C2H3O24

C2H3O24, also known as citric acid, is a weak organic acid with the chemical formula C6H8O7. It is a natural preservative and flavoring agent found in various fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, berries, and tomatoes. Citric acid plays a crucial role in the metabolism of living organisms, serving as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle or TCA cycle. This cycle is essential for the production of energy in cells through cellular respiration.

Citric acid is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a preservative, flavoring agent, and acidulant. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a buffering agent and in the production of various chemicals. In the laboratory, citric acid is used as a chelating agent to remove metal ions from solutions.

Citric acid is available in various forms, including powder, crystals, and solutions. It is generally considered safe for consumption when used in food and beverages, but excessive consumption can lead to side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and kidney stones. It is important to note that citric acid is not the same as citric acid monohydrate, which is a hydrated form of citric acid used in some industrial applications.