Is Citric Acid Ionic or Covalent?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 29, 2020

Citric acid is a covalent, or molecular, compound because it contains single and double covalent bonds formed by the sharing of pairs of electrons between different atoms. The molecular formula of citric acid is C6H8O7.

Citric acid is a weak organic acid used as a flavoring and acidifying agent in culinary preparations. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and lends a sour taste to these fruits. It is a white crystalline substance at room temperature with a melting point of 313 degrees Fahrenheit. The molar mass of citric acid is 192.12 grams per mole. It is widely used as a preservative, and more than a million tons are produced every year through fermentation.