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Sodium Phosphate Formula
Sodium Phosphate – Formula: Sodium phosphate is a white, crystalline, water soluble solid. It is used as a food additive, sequestrant, and buffer. The sodium salt of phosphoric acid, it exists in an anhydrous form and three hydrates. The anhydrous form is a weak acid, while the hydrates are salts of the weak acid. Sodium phosphate is used as a food additive, sequestrant, and buffer. The sodium salt of phosphoric acid, it exists in an anhydrous form and three hydrates. The anhydrous form is a weak acid, while the hydrates are salts of the weak acid.
Structure of Sodium Phosphate
The structure of sodium phosphate made up of sodium, phosphorus and oxygen atoms. The sodium atoms arranged in a pyramid shape, and the phosphorus and oxygen atoms are located at the base of the pyramid. The phosphate group is located at the top of the pyramid, and it consists of one phosphorus and four oxygen atoms.
Different Types of Sodium Phosphate
There are three types of sodium phosphate: monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, and trisodium phosphate.
- Monosodium phosphate (MSP) is the most common, and is a white, odorless, and slightly salty crystalline powder. It used as a food additive, cleaning agent, and fertilizer.
- Disodium phosphate (DSP) is a colorless to white powder that is also slightly salty. It used as a food additive and cleaning agent.
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a colorless to white powder that is the most alkaline of the three types of sodium phosphate. It used as a cleaning agent, water softener, and degreaser.
Uses of Sodium Phosphate in Industry
Sodium phosphate extensively used in the detergent, food, and pharmaceutical industries. In the detergent industry, sodium phosphate used as a builder, which means it helps to remove hardness from water and to keep soils in suspension so they can more easily rinsed away. In the food industry, sodium phosphate used as a preservative, a flavor enhancer, and a stabilizer. It also used as a nutrient in infant formula. In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium phosphate used as a dispersant for drugs and as a buffer to maintain the pH of medications.
Adverse Effects of the Use of Phosphates in Industry
The use of phosphates in industry can cause several adverse effects. For example, phosphates can cause environmental problems by polluting waterways. In addition, phosphates can cause health problems by contaminating food and water supplies.
