Citric acid can be used as a reactant to synthesize:
- Trialkyl citrates via sulfuric acid-catalyzed esterification with aliphatic alcohols C2-C5.
- Biodegradable thermoset polymer via catalyst-free polycondensation reaction.
It can also be used as a catalyst to synthesize amido alkyl naphthols by reacting 2-naphthols, aldehydes, and amides/ureas.