[alt-photo] Re: Substitute for citric acid

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Trevor Cunningham" <trevor at chalkjockeys.com>
To: "The alternative photographic processes mailing list" 
<alt-photo-process-list at lists.altphotolist.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 7:28 AM
Subject: [alt-photo] Substitute for citric acid


> Looking into Kallitype. A clearing agent calls for a 3% 
> citric acid solution. Is acetic too weak/strong for a 
> substitute? Recommendations? My local chem supplier is out 
> of citric acid.
>
     Citric acid is a sequestering agent for certain metals. 
Acetic acid will not substitute for it because it will not 
hold those metals in suspension. Nearly all citrus fruit has 
a substantial amount of citric acid in it (hense the name). 
A good substitute is lemon juice but I am not sure how much 
citric is in it. Its possible a google search would find out 
and also find if there is anything else in it that is 
undesirable for photographic purposes. Citric is used in 
cooking, particularly in preserving so check at places that 
sell home canning and preserving supplies, they will often 
have citric.