Uncovering Citric Acid's Chemical Composition and pH

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the chemical composition and pH of citric acid, particularly in the context of lemon juice. Participants explore the relationship between citric acid and its presence in lemon juice, addressing misconceptions and seeking specific pH values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the chemical composition of citric acid and its pH, specifically in relation to lemon juice.
  • One participant asserts that pH cannot be attributed to an acid without knowing the concentration of the solution.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the characterization of lemon juice as "pure citric acid," suggesting that it is a solution containing citric acid among other solutes.
  • It is noted that the pH of lemon juice is reported to be between 2 to 3, depending on its citric acid concentration.
  • A later reply mentions that the pH of lemon juice can vary based on the ripeness of the fruit, referencing historical context regarding pH measurement in assessing ripeness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the characterization of lemon juice and the concept of pH related to acids. There is no consensus on a definitive pH value for lemon juice, as it is acknowledged that it can vary.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the importance of concentration in determining pH and the implications of defining substances as "pure" versus solutions. The discussion reflects varying assumptions about the nature of citric acid in different contexts.

rainbow-chick
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[SOLVED] pH question...

i'm writing a research paper on the organic medicinal massage oils. i need to know the chemical composition of citric acid and it's pH. can anyone help me?
 
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rainbow-chick said:
i'm writing a research paper on the organic medicinal massage oils. i need to know the chemical composition of citric acid and it's pH. can anyone help me?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citric_acid

CS
 
There is no such thing as "pH of an acid". However, there is such thing as "pH of solution of the acid of known concentration". If you don't know concentration you can't say anything about pH. At best you may list dissociation constants.


&
 
what i was really looking for was the pH of lemon juice i read somewhere that lemon juice was pure citric acid...?? sounds stupid now that i think about. sorry and thank you for your help!
 
rainbow-chick said:
what i was really looking for was the pH of lemon juice i read somewhere that lemon juice was pure citric acid...?? sounds stupid now that i think about. sorry and thank you for your help!

"Pure citric acid" ---- nonsense since citric acid itself is a solid. Lemon juice is a liquid, a solution which contains a few solutes including citric acid. (Condition assumed, room temperature. ) Good thinking on your next thought shown from your message.
 
symbolipoint said:
"Pure citric acid" ---- nonsense since citric acid itself is a solid. Lemon juice is a liquid, a solution which contains a few solutes including citric acid. (Condition assumed, room temperature. ) Good thinking on your next thought shown from your message.

well can anyone tell me the pH of lemon juice?
 
rainbow-chick said:
well can anyone tell me the pH of lemon juice?

Taken from Wikipedia (might want to double check credibility):

"Lemon juice is about 5% (approximately .030 moles/Liter) citric acid, which gives lemons a tart taste, and a pH of 2 to 3."
 
rainbow-chick said:
well can anyone tell me the pH of lemon juice?

No, because it varies, depending on the fruit ripeness. That's what the first commercially available pH meter (Beckman's Model G) was made for - to help assess lemon ripeness.


www.ph-meter.info
 

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