citric acid
Sour fruit compound
Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, giving them their characteristic sour taste.
It is widely used as a preservative and flavoring agent in foods and beverages, and appears in household cleaning products and cosmetics.
In biochemistry, citric acid plays a central role in the Krebs cycle, the metabolic pathway that generates energy in living cells.
Acidic yellow citrus
- limeAcidic green citrus
- orangeCitrus with segments
- grapefruitTangy citrus, often halved
- tangerineSmall, loose-skinned citrus
pomelo · kumquat · yuzu · bergamot · satsuma · clementine · mandarin · blood orange
Sharp, biting taste
- tartSharp-flavored small pie
- tangySharp and lively-tasting
- acidicBelow neutral pH
- zestyLively in flavor
sharp · lemony · puckery · sourness · acidulous · subacid · bright · citrusy
Bonded atomic group
- organicFrom living matter
- anhydrousContaining no water
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
- chelatingBonding to metal ions
synthesis · pKa · solubility · titration · esterification · biochemistry · metabolism · fermentation
Oxidation-preventing molecule
- shelf-lifePeriod before spoilage
- food-safetyProtecting consumables from contamination
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- additiveSubstance mixed in
freshness · food-grade · sequestrant · canning · pickling
Dissolves mineral deposits
- limescaleMineral buildup from water
- hard waterMineral-heavy tap supply
- kettleSpouted vessel for heating water
- calcium depositsAccumulated mineral in tissue
rust remover · dishwasher · bathroom · eco-friendly · nontoxic · degreaser · showerhead · coffee maker
lemon
Acidic yellow citrus
- limeAcidic green citrus
- orangeCitrus with segments
- grapefruitTangy citrus, often halved
tangerine · pomelo · kumquat · yuzu · bergamot · satsuma · clementine · mandarin · blood orange · key lime
sour
Sharp, biting taste
zesty · sharp · lemony · puckery · sourness · acidulous · subacid · bright · citrusy · punch
molecule
Bonded atomic group
- organicFrom living matter
- anhydrousContaining no water
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
chelating · synthesis · pKa · solubility · titration · esterification · biochemistry · metabolism · fermentation · buffer
antioxidant
Oxidation-preventing molecule
- shelf-lifePeriod before spoilage
- food-safetyProtecting consumables from contamination
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
additive · freshness · food-grade · sequestrant · canning · pickling
descaler
Dissolves mineral deposits
- limescaleMineral buildup from water
- hard waterMineral-heavy tap supply
- kettleSpouted vessel for heating water
calcium deposits · rust remover · dishwasher · bathroom · eco-friendly · nontoxic · degreaser · showerhead · coffee maker
- acidsamino acids, aqua regia, organic acids, fatty acids
- food additivesemulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, calcium silicate, lecithin
- AHAs
- Fungal Compoundspsilocybin, lovastatin, penicillin, cephalosporin, ergotamine
- organic acids
- Plant Acids
citric acidsodium hydroxide
Corrosive alkaline compound
lye · caustic soda · potassium hydroxide · ammonia · base
citric acidsulfuric acid
Corrosive H₂SO₄ compound
hydrochloric acid · nitric acid · hydrofluoric acid · strong acid · battery acid