Definition. - A tribasic organic acid, C3H4(OH) (COOH)3+ H1O, usually prepared from the juice of limes or lemons.

Description and Properties.Colorless, translucent, right-rhombic prisms; odorless, having an agreeable, purely acid taste; efflorescent in warm air and deliquescent when exposed to moist air. Soluble in 0.54 part of water, in 1.55 parts of alcohol, in about 0.4 part of boiling water, and in 1.43 parts of boiling alcohol.

Dose. - 5-20 grains (0.3-1.25 Gm.) [7 1/2 grains (0.5 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Syrupus Acidi Citrici - Syrupi Acidi Citrici - Syrup of Citric Acid. - Dose, 2-8 fluidrams (7.4-30.00 Cc.) (0.l per cent).