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Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the formula C6H8O7. It is a natural preservative which is present in citrus fruits. It is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to foods and drinks. In biochemistry, the conjugate base of citric acid, citrate, is important as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. It consists of 3 carboxyl (R-COOH) groups.
Citric acid is a commodity chemical, and more than a million tons are produced every year by fermentation. It is used mainly as anacidifier, as a flavoring, and as a chelating agent.