Citrate

Citrate or citric acid is a biological molecule with the equation C₆H₈O₇.

Role of citrate

Citrate is found in all living organisms as it is involved in the Krebs cycle (or citrate) cycle that produces energy.

Use of citrate

Citrate is a tricarboxylic acid which is highly acidic (it is found in particularly large amounts in lemons). Because of this property citrate is used for:

• as an acidifier and acidity corrector in the farming and foods industry under the name E330;
• in medicine as an anticoagulant and cosmetic;
• but also as a tartar removing and anti-rusting agent.