Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

C6H8O7 + 3NaOH → Na3C6H5O7 + 3H2O

Overview

Citric acid is a triprotic acid that reacts with three equivalents of NaOH to form trisodium citrate and water. The three pKa values (3.13, 4.76, 6.40) create a broad buffering range. Sodium citrate is an important anticoagulant and food additive.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Citric Acid C₆H₈O₇ 1 (aq)
Reactant Sodium Hydroxide NaOH 3 (aq)
Product Water H₂O 3 (l)

Everyday Example

Sodium citrate is used in blood collection tubes to prevent clotting and in soft drinks to provide a tart flavor.

Industrial Importance

Trisodium citrate is used in blood banking, as a food preservative and emulsifier, in detergents as a phosphate replacement, and in pharmaceutical formulations.

Properties

Type
Acid-Base
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-155.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: C₆H₈O₇ + 3NaOH → Na₃C₆H₅O₇ + 3H₂O.
What type of reaction is Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.
Is Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Citric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -155.0 kJ/mol.