#Citric scid series

Geber described a substance with all the properties that we equate with citric acid today, but he knew nothing about its chemical structure.

The discovery of citric acid is often credited to the Arab alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayyan (721-815), also known by his Latin name of Geber. Citric acid also acts as an antioxidant, a substance that rid the body of molecules called free radicals that can damage healthy cells, promote cancer, and bring about ageing.

#Citric scid series

The citric acid cycle is also known as the Krebs cycle, after the German-British biochemist Sir Hans Adolf Krebs (1900–1981), who discovered the series of reactions in 1937. In fact, the series of reactions by which carbohydrates are converted to energy is generally known as the citric acid cycle because of the fundamental role played by the compound in those reactions. Soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and other organic solventsĬitric acid plays an important role in metabolism, the set of chemical reactions that occur when cells break down fats, carbohydrates, and other compounds to produce energy and compounds needed to build new cells and tissues. Not applicable decomposes above 175☌ (347☏) SOLUBILITY: The monohydrate is efflorescent, meaning that it tends to lose its water of hydration when exposed to the air. The formula for the monohydrate is HOOCCH 2C(OH)(COOH)CH 2COOH It frequently occurs as the monohydrate, with a single molecule of water associated with each citric acid molecule. In pure form, citric acid is a colorless, translucent, odorless crystalline or powdery material with a pleasantly acidic taste.

Its presence is especially noticeable in citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and kumquat, which get their name from the acid. It is a common constituent of plant and animal tissues. Citric acid (SIT-rik AS-id) is also known as 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid and β-hydroxytricarballylic acid.