H2Cit
H2Cit is a shorthand term used in chemistry and related fields to denote a hydrogen-containing citrate species. Because citrate chemistry involves different protonation states depending on pH, H2Cit can refer to several forms in practice, most commonly a dihydrogen citrate-related species. In many contexts, the exact identity of H2Cit depends on the solution conditions, and it may be discussed alongside other protonated or deprotonated forms of citrate such as H3Cit (citric acid), H2Cit−, HCit2−, and Cit3−.
Citrate derives from citric acid, a tricarboxylic acid with a central hydroxyl group. The citrate framework
Citric acid, the precursor for citrate species, is primarily produced by microbial fermentation of sugars. Neutralization
H2Cit-related citrate species are widely used as buffering agents in laboratory assays, chromatography, and biochemical workflows.