Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)
Orthophosphoric Acid
What is Phosphoric Acid?
Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄), also known as orthophosphoric acid, is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic inorganic acid. It is a syrupy liquid and is completely soluble in water.
Phosphoric acid is the primary source of phosphate salts (phosphates) and is used in many industries, from the food industry to fertilizer production. This chemical, which can also be found in crystalline form, exhibits corrosive properties at high concentrations and must be used with caution.
Properties of Phosphoric Acid
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical Appearance | Colorless, odorless, syrupy liquid |
| Chemical Formula | H₃PO₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 98.00 g/mol |
| Packaging Type | Drum / IBC |
| Other Names: | Phosphoric Acid, Orthophosphoric Acid, Phosphate Acid |
In Which Industries Is Phosphoric Acid Used?
Phosphoric acid is a versatile acid used in many industries. Some of its applications include:
- Agriculture: Phosphoric acid is used in the production of fertilizers and is the primary source of phosphorus, which aids in plant growth.
- Food: Phosphoric acid is used in the production of certain carbonated beverages, condiments, and foods such as ketchup. It is also used in the production of milk and cheese.
- Cleaning: Phosphoric acid is used in some cleaning products and is particularly effective for removing limescale and rust.
- Industry: Phosphoric acid is used in many industries, such as cleaning metal surfaces, producing anti-corrosion coatings, manufacturing electronic materials, and producing industrial chemicals.
- Other uses: Phosphoric acid is also used in toothpaste, in the production of medicines, in water purification processes, and in the production of iron oxides.
However, phosphoric acid is a strong acid and must be handled with care during use.
How is Phosphoric Acid Produced?
Phosphoric acid is a compound known as phosphoric acid (H3PO4), which has three hydrogen atoms. It is usually obtained from mineral phosphate sources.
Phosphoric acid production is a three-stage process. The steps can be summarized as follows:
Preparation of phosphate sources: Phosphate sources are usually found as phosphorous rock (apatite). First, the source material is turned into ore, then treated with an acid solution. This causes the phosphate to dissolve and leads to the production of pure phosphate sources.
Processing of pure phosphate sources: Pure phosphate sources are mostly treated with an acid such as sulfuric acid. This process separates the phosphate into monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and calcium sulfate (CaSO4) compounds.
Hydrolysis of monocalcium phosphate: MCP is hydrolyzed by mixing with water, and phosphoric acid is produced by adding three molecules of water.
Phosphoric acid is used in industry for the production of fertilizers, as a rust inhibitor, in the manufacture of toothpaste, cola and other beverages, and in many other applications.