Phosphoric Acid H3PO4

Phosphoric Acid H3PO4

Properties: Dehydrates at approximately 225°C converting to pyrophosphoric acid forms. At higher temperatures, it converts to metaphosphoric acid forms. Phosphoric acid polymerizes violently under the influence of azo compounds, epoxides, and other polymerizable compounds. When ignited, it produces toxic gases of phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid is a moderately strong acid and attacks metals releasing flammable hydrogen gas. Decomposition may occur with contact with aldehydes, alcohols, cyanides, ketones, phenols, esters, sulfites, halogenated organic compounds. Consumption of beverages containing excess phosphoric acid (Pepsi, Cola) should be limited because excess phosphoric acid can cause calcium deficiency in the body.

Applications: Acidulant in soft drinks; drinking water purification and improvement; sugar refining; yeast nutrient; production of phosphate salts food items; pharmaceutical industry; used in pet food. Used as a solvent in medical materials. Orally a gastric acidifier. In foods, to acidify soft drinks, pH control in jam and jelly making, nutrient in yeast production, to control bacterial growth in selective processes of foods, and as a coagulating (precipitating) agent for clarification of sugar water after liming processes. Used in soap production for fat bleaching.

Non-food Applications: A very important raw material in the industrial field. In textile and fiber industry; in antifreeze; in the production of foliar fertilizers and water-soluble fertilizers; in the production of industrial and institutional cleaners; metal processing (cleaning, phosphating, electroplating); production of phosphate salts; water treatment; activated carbon; enamel industry; rust remover solutions, fermentation process (monosodium glutamate, penicillin); caprolactam production; production of pigments; ceramics and iron foundry easy-to-process operations.