Citric acid monohydrate is a white crystalline powder with a sour taste. It is a tribasic acid and is used in a wide range of food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other applications. It is a major component of citrus fruits and is found in many other fruits and vegetables. Citric acid monohydrate is highly soluble in water and has a pH of 2.2. It is used as an acidulant, preservative, flavoring and chelating agent. It is also used in the production of detergents and cleaning products. Citric acid monohydrate is available in IP/BP/EP/USP grades and is suitable for use as an excipient in pharmaceutical applications.