Citric Acid Boric Acid Difference

Basic Definitions and Properties of 1.

Citric acid

citric acid is a dicarboxylic acid, chemical formula C6H8O7, is a common organic acid. It is a kind of inorganic salt, which is widely found in plants, such as lemon, orange and other fruits. Chemically stable, but easily decomposed or oxidized by certain substances under acidic conditions.

boric acid

boric acid, usually H3BO3, is an inorganic acid containing the element boron. It exists in the form of pure substance in nature, but mostly in the form of salt, such as trisodium borate, potassium borate and so on. The chemical properties are relatively stable, but compared with citric acid, boric acid is less acidic.

2. uses and applications

application of citric acid

1. food industry citric acid is a natural sour agent, widely used in food sour taste adjustment, such as chocolate, candy and so on. It also acts as an acid moderator to help extend the shelf life of the product.
2. **chemical Industry**: In chemical production, citric acid is used to make citric anhydride, citrate and other chemicals.
3. Water treatment: Citric acid is used to adjust the pH in water treatment, especially in the acidification process of water.

Application of boric acid

1. glass and Ceramic Manufacturing: Boric acid is an important raw material for the manufacture of glass and ceramics, especially in the high-temperature firing process.
2. Water treatment: Boric acid is used for softening and decontamination of water, and has a good oil-removing effect. 3. Manufacture of electric light source: boric acid is used to manufacture high-purity electronic components in the production of electric light source.

Comparison of Chemical and Physical Properties of 3.

Physical Properties

1. melting point and boiling point:

• citric acid: a solid at room temperature, with a melting point of about 126°C and a boiling point of about 155°C.
• Boric acid: solid, melting point about 1000°C, boiling point about 2500°C.

1. Density:

• citric acid: density of about 1.10g/cm³.
• Boric acid: density of about 1.15g/cm³.

Chemical properties

1. acid strength:

• citric acid is a very strong acid with a pKa1 of about 3.14.
• The acidity of boric acid is weak, and the pKa1 is about 9.13.

1. Stability:

• citric acid decomposes easily under acidic conditions, but is stable under neutral or alkaline conditions.
• Boric acid decomposes easily under alkaline conditions, but is more stable under neutral conditions.

4. selection recommendations

according to different application requirements, the choice of citric acid or boric acid needs to consider the following factors:

1. acid demand: If a stronger acidic environment is required, citric acid is more suitable; if the acidity requirement is lower, boric acid may be more suitable.
2. Stability requirements: If you need to maintain stability under high temperature or strong acid conditions, you may need to choose boric acid.
3. Application areas citric acid is commonly used in the food and chemical industries, while boric acid is mainly used in glass manufacturing and water treatment.

Citric acid and boric acid have their own unique advantages and application areas. The choice of which substance needs to be weighed according to specific production conditions and needs to ensure the stability of the production process and product quality.