Monohydrate

A compound containing one molecule of water per formula unit of the main molecule as part of its crystalline structure. Monohydrate forms are common in food and supplement ingredients: creatine monohydrate, citric acid monohydrate, dextrose monohydrate. Contrast with anhydrous (no water). Monohydrate forms can lose their crystallisation water (effloresce) if exposed to very low humidity or elevated temperature — this does not destroy the compound but changes its physical characteristics and precise dose per gram. Confirm whether the monohydrate or anhydrous form is specified in any application requiring precise water content management (e.g. effervescent products).