Citric Acid vs Oxalic Acid: Industrial Uses, Food Applications and Bulk Price Comparison
Citric acid and oxalic acid are two of the most commonly used organic acids in industrial, chemical, and food applications. While citric acid is widely recognized for its versatility in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cleaning industries, oxalic acid is valued for its strong chelating and bleaching properties, particularly in metal, textile, and laboratory applications.
For bulk buyers, manufacturers, and industrial users, understanding the differences between these acids is critical. Both acids are used in cleaning, metal treatment, and other chemical processes, but their chemical properties, applications, and safety profiles differ significantly. A comparative overview helps businesses make informed decisions regarding procurement, handling, storage, and application, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in bulk purchases.
Chemical Composition and Properties
Citric Acid
Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇) is a naturally occurring weak organic acid commonly derived from citrus fruits or industrial fermentation. It is a water-soluble, crystalline compound known for its mild acidity and versatile usage. Citric acid is generally safe for handling with standard precautions, making it suitable for both industrial and food applications.
- Physical properties: Appears as white crystalline powder, highly soluble in water, mildly acidic with pH ~2–3 in solution
- Safety and handling: Non-toxic, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), avoid inhalation of powder and contact with eyes
- Applications note: Stable under normal storage conditions; hygroscopic nature requires sealed containers for long-term storage
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid (C₂H₂O₄) is a stronger dicarboxylic organic acid with high reactivity and chelating ability. It is commonly produced synthetically or extracted from plants such as rhubarb and spinach. Unlike citric acid, oxalic acid requires stricter handling due to its corrosive and toxic nature.
- Physical properties: White crystalline powder, highly soluble in water, strong acidic behavior with pH ~1–2 in concentrated solutions
- Safety and handling: Toxic if ingested, corrosive to skin and eyes, requires gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation during use
- Applications note: Stability is good under dry conditions, but it can degrade if exposed to heat and moisture; store in tightly sealed, labeled containers
Key Differences Between Citric Acid and Oxalic Acid
- Acidity Strength Comparison: Citric acid is a weak, mild acid suitable for food-grade applications, while oxalic acid is much stronger and more corrosive, making it ideal for rust removal, bleaching, and chemical reactions but unsuitable for direct consumption.
- Solubility and Corrosive Nature: Both acids are water-soluble, but oxalic acid is significantly more reactive and corrosive, capable of etching metals, whereas citric acid is mild and safe for a wide range of surfaces.
- Shelf Life and Storage Requirements: Citric acid is hygroscopic but stable under normal conditions; oxalic acid requires careful storage in dry, cool, and sealed containers to prevent degradation and accidental exposure.
Industrial Uses
Citric Acid
Citric acid is highly versatile and finds applications across multiple industries:
- Water treatment and cleaning agents: Acts as a chelating and descaling agent for boilers, pipes, and cooling systems
- Detergent and soap manufacturing: Improves cleaning efficiency and pH control in detergents and soaps
- Pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications: Used as a stabilizer, pH regulator, and flavoring agent
- Metal surface cleaning: Mild acid action for removing tarnish, scale, and deposits on metal surfaces
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is primarily used for its strong cleaning and bleaching properties:
- Rust and stain removal in metals: Effective for iron, steel, and other metals, especially in heavy-duty cleaning operations
- Bleaching in textile and wood industries: Removes unwanted pigments and stains during manufacturing or finishing processes
- Cleaning of industrial machinery: Used to remove tough deposits, mineral scaling, and oxidation from machinery
- Laboratory reagent: Commonly employed in chemical synthesis, titrations, and analytical procedures
Food & Beverage Applications
Citric Acid
- Preservative in soft drinks, juices, and jams: Citric acid prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life
- Flavor enhancer in processed foods: Provides tanginess and balances sweetness in confections and snacks
- pH regulator in dairy products: Maintains acidity for cheese, yogurt, and beverages
- Food-grade approval: Widely accepted and approved for direct food use globally
- Limited use in food: Mainly for cleaning and sanitizing equipment rather than as an additive
- Naturally occurring: Found in small quantities in leafy vegetables like spinach, rhubarb, and beet greens
- Food additive caution: Not used directly in foods due to toxicity and potential health hazards
Bulk Supply & Price Comparison
Citric Acid
Citric acid is widely traded in India in both industrial and food-grade variants, with pricing largely influenced by purity level, physical form, and procurement volume. Industrial buyers sourcing citric acid in bulk benefit from stable availability and competitive per-kg pricing due to high domestic and import supply.
Indicative Wholesale Price in India:
- Industrial grade citric acid: ₹70 – ₹110 per kg
- Food-grade citric acid (FCC/BP/USP): ₹110 – ₹160 per kg
- Per metric ton (industrial grade): ₹70,000 – ₹1,05,000 per MT
Key Price Influencing Factors:
Purity levels directly affect cost, with higher purity grades commanding premium pricing. The physical form also plays a role, as granulated citric acid is typically priced slightly higher than powder due to improved handling and lower dust generation.
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is primarily consumed in industrial segments such as metal treatment, textile processing, and chemical manufacturing. Due to lower production volumes and stricter handling requirements, oxalic acid pricing remains higher per unit compared to citric acid.
Indicative Wholesale Price in India :
- Industrial grade oxalic acid: ₹95 – ₹150 per kg
- Per metric ton: ₹95,000 – ₹1,45,000 per MT
Key Price Influencing Factors:
Pricing is strongly affected by purity and crystal grade, as higher assay oxalic acid is required for precision cleaning and bleaching applications. Packaging also impacts cost, as oxalic acid is supplied in moisture-resistant, chemically safe packaging. Bulk orders reduce transportation and packing overheads, enabling Akash Acids & Chemicals to offer optimized pricing for large industrial consumers.
Side-by-Side Bulk Price Comparison
Citric Acid
Typical Industrial Price (₹/kg): In bulk quantities, ₹70–₹110 per kg for industrial grade.
Availability: Citric acid have high availability in India.
Cost Efficiency in Bulk: Very high, as large-volume orders significantly reduce packaging.
Handling & Storage Cost: Low, since citric acid is non-volatile, less corrosive, and easier to store.
Long-Term Procurement Advantage: Strong, with predictable pricing trends, long shelf life, and minimal regulatory complexity.
Oxalic Acid
Typical Industrial Price (₹/kg): Oxalic acid typically ranges between ₹95–₹150 per kg for industrial grade in bulk orders.
Availability: Moderate, as oxalic acid supply is comparatively limited.
Cost Efficiency in Bulk: Moderate, with bulk ordering reducing logistics and packaging costs.
Handling & Storage Cost: Higher, as oxalic acid requires controlled storage condition.
Long-Term Procurement Advantage: Application-specific, best suited for industries where oxalic acid’s functional performance.
Safety & Handling Considerations
- Citric acid should be stored in dry, cool conditions using moisture-proof bags or containers, while oxalic acid requires airtight, clearly labeled containers kept away from heat and incompatible substances.
- Standard gloves and dust masks are sufficient for citric acid handling, whereas oxalic acid handling requires chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, protective clothing, and adequate ventilation.
- Both acids must be transported in compliance with chemical handling norms, with oxalic acid requiring stricter hazard labeling and controlled logistics.
- Citric acid is environmentally benign and biodegradable, while oxalic acid usage must comply with hazardous chemical regulations and controlled disposal guidelines.
Choosing the Right Acid for Your Application
- Industrial vs Food Use: Citric acid is the clear choice for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications, whereas oxalic acid is restricted to industrial cleaning, bleaching, and chemical processing.
- Cost-Effectiveness in Bulk Orders: Citric acid offers better cost efficiency for large-volume consumption, while oxalic acid delivers higher functional value in specialized applications despite higher cost.
- Process & Equipment Compatibility: Citric acid is compatible with a wide range of machinery and surfaces, while oxalic acid should only be used where corrosion resistance and material compatibility are assured.
- Supplier Reliability & Certification: Selecting a supplier with consistent quality, proper documentation, and regulatory compliance is critical for both acids, especially for export-oriented and regulated industries.
Why Buy from Akash Acids & Chemicals
Akash Acids & Chemicals is a trusted supplier of high-quality citric acid and oxalic acid, catering to diverse industrial and food-sector requirements across India. The company maintains strict quality control standards to ensure consistent purity, performance, and compliance with applicable regulations. With competitive wholesale pricing, scalable bulk supply capability, and a strong logistics network, Akash Acids & Chemicals supports manufacturers, processors, and traders with reliable, on-time deliveries. Their technical expertise and application-specific guidance help customers select the right acid for optimal performance, cost efficiency, and long-term operational reliability, making them a dependable partner for both domestic and large-scale industrial buyers.
