Citric Acid Molecule in 3D: C₆H₈O₇ Structure and Facts
Citric acid is the acid that makes lemons and limes taste sour. It has three acid groups and is used widely in food and drinks. In Molecule Studio you can spin the citric acid molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DCitric Acid quick facts
| Chemical formula | C₆H₈O₇ |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 192.12 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 21 |
| Group | Acids |
What is citric acid used for?
- Flavouring drinks and sweets
- Preserving food
- Cleaning and descaling kettles
Interesting facts about citric acid
- Lemons and limes are rich in citric acid.
- It has three COOH acid groups.
- It plays a key part in the citric acid cycle that releases energy in cells.
- Most citric acid is made by a mould called Aspergillus niger.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More acids molecules
Citric Acid questions
What is the formula of citric acid?
C6H8O7.
Where is citric acid found?
In citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges.
What is citric acid used for?
Flavouring and preserving food, and cleaning limescale.
What is the citric acid cycle?
A series of reactions in cells that releases energy from food. It is also called the Krebs cycle.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.