What is the molecular formula of citric acid?

The molecular formula of citric acid is C6H8O7. Citric acid is a tricarboxylic acid and plays a significant role in the citric acid cycle, which is crucial for energy production in cellular respiration. The structure includes six carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and seven oxygen atoms, reflecting its three carboxylic acid groups, which are key in its function as an intermediate in metabolic pathways. Understanding this formula is essential for grasping how citric acid participates in various biochemical reactions and processes. The other molecular formulas listed do not accurately represent the structure of citric acid, reflecting different numbers of carbons, hydrogens, or oxygens that do not match its actual chemical composition.