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Phosphoric Acid, Orthophosphoric Acid, Polyphosphoric Acid, Acid Phosphoric, E338, 7664-38-2

Phosphoric Acid, Orthophosphoric Acid, Polyphosphoric Acid, Acid Phosphoric, E338, 7664-38-2

PHOSPHORIC ACID (H₃PO₄)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

  • Chemical Name: Orthophosphoric Acid, Phosphoric Acid

  • Synonyms: Orthophosphoric Acid, Trihydroxidooxidophosphorus, O-Phosphoric Acid, Polyphosphoric Acid, Acid Phosphoric, E338 (food additive)

  • CAS Number: 7664-38-2

  • EC Number (EINECS): 231-633-2

  • Molecular Formula: H₃PO₄

  • Molecular Weight: 97.99 g/mol

  • Chemical Class: Mineral acid (tribasic)

  • HS Code / GTIP: 2809.20.00

  • UN Number: 1805 (Phosphoric acid solution, corrosive)

  • REACH Status: Registered under EC 231-633-2

2. Physical Properties

2.1 General Physical Properties

Property Value
Appearance (20°C) Colorless, odorless, viscous liquid or crystalline solid
Physical state (20°C) Liquid (commercial solutions); Solid (pure, >42.35°C melts)
Odor Odorless
Density (85% solution, 20°C) 1.834 g/cm³ (1.68–1.71 for 75%; 1.83–1.85 for 85%)
Density (75% solution, 20°C) 1.68–1.71 g/cm³
Melting point (pure) 42.35°C (108°F) (solidifies below this temperature)
Melting point (85% solution) 21°C (solidifies below this temperature – may crystallize in cold storage)
Boiling point (85% solution) 158°C (decomposes)
Flash point Non-flammable
Autoignition temperature Not applicable
Vapor pressure (85% solution, 20°C) 2.8 hPa
Refractive index (85% solution, nD20) 1.434–1.436
Viscosity (85% solution, 20°C) 47–55 cP (moderate viscosity)
Dissociation constant (pKa₁) 2.12
Dissociation constant (pKa₂) 7.20
Dissociation constant (pKa₃) 12.67

2.2 Concentration-Dependent Properties

Parameter 75% Solution 85% Solution
Density (20°C) 1.68–1.71 g/cm³ 1.83–1.85 g/cm³
H₃PO₄ content 75.0 ± 0.5% 85.0 ± 0.5%
P₂O₅ content ~54% ~61.6%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 5–20 ppm ≤ 5–20 ppm
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 5–10 ppm ≤ 5–10 ppm
Sulfates (SO₄) ≤ 30–100 ppm ≤ 30–100 ppm
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 5–10 ppm ≤ 5–10 ppm
Color (APHA) ≤ 10–20 ≤ 10–20

3. Chemical Properties

3.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: H₃PO₄

  • Tribasic acid – can donate three protons (H⁺)

  • Three dissociable hydroxyl groups (OH) attached to central phosphorus atom

  • One double-bonded oxygen (P=O)

  • Sequestering agent – chelates metal ions (Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺)

3.2 Acid Dissociation

Dissociation Step pKa Equation
First dissociation 2.12 H₃PO₄ ⇌ H₂PO₄⁻ + H⁺
Second dissociation 7.20 H₂PO₄⁻ ⇌ HPO₄²⁻ + H⁺
Third dissociation 12.67 HPO₄²⁻ ⇌ PO₄³⁻ + H⁺

Acidity comparison: Stronger than acetic acid (pKa 4.76), weaker than sulfuric acid (pKa -3) and hydrochloric acid (pKa -6)

3.3 Thermal Stability

Parameter Value
Decomposition temperature >158°C (forms metaphosphoric acid, then P₂O₅)
Heating behavior Loses water → forms pyrophosphoric acid (H₄P₂O₇) → metaphosphoric acid (HPO₃) → phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅)
Corrosive nature Corrosive to metals and tissues

3.4 Chemical Reactivity

Reaction Description
With metals Reacts with most metals → hydrogen gas + metal phosphates
With alkalis Neutralization → phosphate salts (mono-, di-, tribasic)
With ammonia Ammonium phosphate fertilizers (MAP, DAP)
With calcium Forms insoluble calcium phosphate (water softening, scale removal)
Sequestration Binds Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ – prevents precipitation

3.5 Condensation Reactions

  • Heating with dehydration → pyrophosphoric acid (H₄P₂O₇)

  • Further heating → polyphosphoric acids (Hₙ₊₂PₙO₃ₙ₊₁)

  • Complete dehydration → phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅)

4. Quality Specifications

4.1 Technical Grade (85% Solution)

Parameter Specification
H₃PO₄ content (w/w) 85.0 ± 0.5%
P₂O₅ content (w/w) 61.5–62.5%
Color (APHA) ≤ 10–20
Specific gravity (20°C) 1.688–1.710
Iron (Fe) ≤ 20 ppm
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 10 ppm
Sulfates (SO₄) ≤ 100 ppm
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm
Arsenic (As) ≤ 5–20 ppm
Fluorine (F) ≤ 10–50 ppm

4.2 Food Grade (E338 – 85% Solution)

Parameter Specification
H₃PO₄ content (w/w) 85.0 ± 0.5%
P₂O₅ content (w/w) 61.5–62.5%
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1–2 ppm
Fluorides (F) ≤ 10 ppm
Lead (Pb) ≤ 1–5 ppm
Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 1 ppm
Mercury (Hg) ≤ 1 ppm
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm
Easily oxidizable substances (H₃PO₃) ≤ 0.012%
Volatile acids (as CH₃COOH) ≤ 0.001%
Nitrates (NO₃) ≤ 5 ppm
Color (APHA) ≤ 10

4.3 Pharmaceutical Grade

Parameter Specification
H₃PO₄ content (w/w) 85.0 ± 0.5%
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 5 ppm
Arsenic (As) ≤ 1 ppm
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 5 ppm
Sulfates (SO₄) ≤ 50 ppm
Iron (Fe) ≤ 10 ppm

5. Production Methods

5.1 Wet Process (Fertilizer Grade – Most Common)

Reaction: Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH (phosphate rock) + 5 H₂SO₄ → 3 H₃PO₄ + 5 CaSO₄ + H₂O

Process:

  1. Phosphate rock is reacted with sulfuric acid

  2. Calcium sulfate (gypsum) precipitates and is filtered off

  3. Dilute phosphoric acid (25–32% P₂O₅) is produced

  4. Concentration by evaporation to 40–55% P₂O₅

  5. Further purification for higher grades

Purity: Lower purity (contains metal impurities – Fe, Al, Mg, F)
Primary application: Fertilizer production (MAP, DAP, TSP)

5.2 Thermal Process (High Purity – Food/Pharmaceutical Grade)

Reaction: P₄ + 5 O₂ → P₄O₁₀; then P₄O₁₀ + 6 H₂O → 4 H₃PO₄

Process:

  1. Elemental phosphorus (P₄) is burned in air to produce P₄O₁₀

  2. P₄O₁₀ is hydrated with water

  3. High-purity phosphoric acid is obtained (no metal impurities)

Purity: Very high (meets food and pharmaceutical specifications)
Primary application: Food additives, pharmaceuticals, electronics, metal treatment

5.3 Comparison: Wet Process vs. Thermal Process

Property Wet Process Thermal Process
Purity Lower (contains metal impurities) Very high
Color Dark (green to brown) Clear, colorless
Heavy metals Present Absent
Cost Lower Higher
Primary use Fertilizers Food, pharma, electronics

6. Industrial Applications

6.1 Fertilizer Production (Largest Application – ~80%)

Application Products Function
Phosphate fertilizers MAP (monoammonium phosphate), DAP (diammonium phosphate), TSP (triple superphosphate), NPK Phosphorus source for plant nutrition
Typical consumption >80% of global phosphoric acid production Essential for crop growth (root development, flowering, fruiting)

6.2 Food and Beverage Industry (E338)

Application Function Typical Concentration
Acidulant in soft drinks (cola) Imparts tangy flavor, acidity regulator 0.02–0.05%
Acidifier in jams and jellies pH adjustment 0.1–0.5%
Buffering agent pH stabilization 0.01–0.1%
Yeast nutrient Source of phosphorus for fermentation 0.01–0.05%
Cheese processing (emulsifier) Phosphate salts (food grade) 0.1–0.5%
Meat and seafood processing pH control, water retention 0.05–0.2%

Food additive status: E338 – permitted as food additive (EU, USA, Japan)

6.3 Pharmaceutical Applications

Application Function
Phosphate salts production Sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate
Buffer solutions pH control in formulations
Effervescent tablets Component in effervescent systems
Dental cements Zinc phosphate cement
Laxatives Sodium phosphate solutions
Nutritional supplements Phosphorus source

6.4 Metal Treatment and Surface Preparation

Application Function Typical Concentration
Rust removal (steel, iron) Converts Fe₂O₃ to iron phosphate 5–10% solution
Metal degreasing Acidic cleaner 1–5%
Phosphating (metal pretreatment) Forms phosphate coating for paint adhesion 1–5%
Passivation of stainless steel Removes iron contamination 10–20%

6.5 Water Treatment

Application Function
Scale prevention Sequesters Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ (prevents scale formation)
pH adjustment Acidic pH control in cooling water systems
Corrosion inhibition Forms protective phosphate film
Boiler water treatment Precipitates hardness salts

6.6 Detergents and Cleaning Products

Application Function
Phosphate builders Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) – water softening
Metal cleaning Acidic cleaner for scale removal
Dairy cleaning (CIP) Acid rinse (removes milk stone)
Bottle washing Component in bottle washing formulations

6.7 Chemical Industry

Application Products
Phosphate salt manufacturing Monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tripotassium phosphate, ammonium phosphates, calcium phosphates
Phosphorus-based compounds Phosphorus pentoxide, phosphorus trichloride, phosphine (via intermediates)
Fire retardants Ammonium polyphosphate (APP)
Surfactants Phosphate esters

6.8 Electronics Industry

Application Function
Semiconductor etching Etchant for silicon wafers
PCB cleaning Flux residue removal
Metal surface preparation Cleaning and etching

6.9 Oil and Gas Industry

Application Function
Drilling fluids pH control, corrosion inhibition
Well stimulation Acidizing treatments (scale removal)

6.10 Animal Feed

Application Function
Monocalcium phosphate (MCP) Phosphorus and calcium source for animal nutrition
Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) Phosphorus and calcium source for animal nutrition

7. Toxicology and Safety

7.1 Acute Toxicity

Parameter Value Classification
Oral LD₅₀ (rat) 1,530–3,000 mg/kg Not classified
Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) 2,740 mg/kg Not classified
Inhalation LC₅₀ (rat, 4 hours) >0.5 mg/L Not classified
Skin corrosion Category 1B – Causes severe skin burns (H314)  
Eye damage Category 1 – Causes serious eye damage (H318)  
Inhalation May cause respiratory tract irritation  

7.2 Chronic Toxicity

Endpoint Classification
Carcinogenicity Not classified (IARC Group 3 – not classifiable)
Mutagenicity Negative
Reproductive toxicity Not classified
Target organ toxicity Respiratory system, teeth (dental erosion with chronic exposure)

7.3 GHS Classification

Classification Category
Signal word Danger
Hazard statements H314 – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  H318 – Causes serious eye damage
  H290 – May be corrosive to metals
Precautionary statements P260, P264, P280, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P305+P351+P338, P310

7.4 NFPA Rating

Health Flammability Reactivity
3 0 0

8. Occupational Exposure Limits

Authority Limit Type
OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³ (as total P) TWA (8 hour)
ACGIH TLV 1 mg/m³ (as total P) TWA (8 hour)
NIOSH REL 1 mg/m³ (as total P) TWA (10 hour)
EU IOELV 1 mg/m³ (as total P) TWA (8 hour)

9. Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Hazards:

    • Corrosive – causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314)

    • May be corrosive to metals (H290)

    • Harmful to aquatic life (in concentrated form)

    • Non-flammable (stable)

  • PPE (mandatory):

    • Chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile, EN 374)

    • Chemical splash goggles (EN 166) or full face shield – mandatory

    • Protective clothing (acid-resistant apron or coverall)

    • Respiratory protection: P2/P3 filter for mist; SCBA for high concentrations

  • Engineering controls:

    • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for mist control

    • Eyewash stations and safety showers in immediate vicinity

    • Acid-resistant flooring and containment

  • Storage conditions:

    • Store in tightly closed original containers (HDPE, stainless steel, or lined carbon steel)

    • Keep away from alkalis (neutralization – exothermic), reducing agents, combustible materials

    • Protect from freezing (85% solution may crystallize below 21°C – warm before use)

    • Store in corrosion-proof area with secondary containment

    • Do not store in metal containers (corrosive to many metals – use plastic or lined steel)

    • Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area (5–30°C)

  • Container materials:

    • Suitable: HDPE, polypropylene, PVC, PTFE, glass, stainless steel (304, 316), lined carbon steel

    • Not suitable: Carbon steel (unlined), aluminum (corrodes), copper (corrodes), brass (corrodes)

  • First aid:

    • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; if breathing difficult, give oxygen; if stopped, give artificial respiration; seek medical attention

    • Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; rinse immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention immediately

    • Eye contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids; remove contact lenses; seek immediate medical attention

    • Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; drink water or milk; seek immediate medical attention (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person)

10. Environmental Fate

Parameter Value
Biodegradability Not applicable (inorganic)
Aquatic toxicity (fish, LC₅₀, 96 hours) 100–500 mg/L (as P) – moderate
Daphnia magna (EC₅₀, 48 hours) 50–200 mg/L
Algal toxicity (EC₅₀, 72 hours) 10–100 mg/L
Eutrophication potential High (phosphorus input promotes algal blooms)
Mobility in soil High (high water solubility)
Bioaccumulation Low potential
WGK Germany 1 (low hazard to water) – but note eutrophication risk
Disposal method Neutralization with lime or caustic soda → calcium phosphate sludge → landfill (non-hazardous)

11. Transport Information

Regulation Classification
UN Number 1805
Proper shipping name Phosphoric acid solution
ADR/RID Class 8 (Corrosive), Packing group III
IMDG Class 8, PG III
IATA Class 8, PG III
DOT Class 8, PG III
Hazard label Corrosive (8)
Marine pollutant No

12. Packaging and Shipping Options

Package Type Weight Origin
IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) 1,700 kg Prayon (85%)
IBC (returnable) 1,650 kg China (85%)
IBC (included) 1,650 kg China (85%)
Original drum 35 kg China (85%)
Bulk tanker Variable Domestic (Çorlu, Gebze, Bursa regions – Turkey)

13. Synonyms and Common Names

  • English: Phosphoric Acid, Orthophosphoric Acid, Trihydroxidooxidophosphorus, O-Phosphoric Acid, Polyphosphoric Acid, Acid Phosphoric

  • Other names: E338 (food additive), Orthophosphoric acid (IUPAC)

  • French: Acide phosphorique

  • German: Phosphorsäure

  • Spanish: Ácido fosfórico

  • Turkish: Fosforik Asit, Orto Fosforik Asit

14. Regulatory Status

Regulation Status
REACH (EU) Registered (EC 231-633-2)
TSCA (US) Listed
FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) – food additive E338
EFSA Permitted as food additive (E338)
EPA Not restricted (but phosphorus discharge regulated)
EU Fertilizer Regulation Permitted (component in phosphate fertilizers)

15. Why Choose Phosphoric Acid?

Advantage Description
Versatile tribasic acid Three dissociable protons allow multiple salt forms (mono-, di-, tribasic)
Excellent sequestering agent Chelates Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ – prevents scale and precipitation
Essential fertilizer component Critical for global food production (~80% of consumption)
Food grade available (E338) Permitted food additive – safe for human consumption at regulated levels
Corrosive – effective cleaner Removes rust, scale, and deposits from metal surfaces
Non-flammable Safe to handle; no fire hazard
Widely available Produced globally in large quantities
Multiple grades Technical, food, pharmaceutical – suitable for diverse applications
Recyclable Phosphate can be recovered from waste streams

Limitations:

  • Corrosive – Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314); requires PPE (goggles, gloves, protective clothing)

  • Eutrophication potential – Phosphorus discharge to water bodies causes algal blooms; strict discharge limits apply

  • Crystallization in cold storage – 85% solution solidifies below 21°C; requires warming before use

  • Heavy metal impurities (wet process grade) – Not suitable for food/pharmaceutical use; requires thermal process grade for sensitive applications

  • Corrosive to metals – Requires plastic or stainless steel equipment

16. Concentration Grades – Comparison

Property 75% Solution 85% Solution Pure (100%)
Physical state (20°C) Liquid Liquid (viscous) Solid (crystalline)
Density (20°C) 1.68–1.71 g/cm³ 1.83–1.85 g/cm³ ~1.87 g/cm³
P₂O₅ content ~54% ~61.6% ~72.4%
Freezing point <0°C 21°C (crystallizes below) 42.35°C
Viscosity (20°C) ~10–20 cP 47–55 cP Solid
Corrosivity Moderate High Very high
Typical applications Fertilizers, detergents Food, metal treatment Laboratory, specialty

17. Comparison with Other Mineral Acids

Property Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄) Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄) Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Nitric Acid (HNO₃)
Basicity Tribasic Dibasic Monobasic Monobasic
pKa₁ 2.12 -3 (very strong) -6 (very strong) -1.3 (strong)
Corrosivity Moderate Very high High Very high
Oxidizing power None None (conc. is oxidizing) None Strong
Fuming No No Yes (conc.) Yes (conc.)
Metal compatibility Poor (corrodes) Poor (corrodes) Poor (corrodes) Poor (corrodes)
Volatility Non-volatile Low High High
Thermal stability Decomposes >158°C Very stable Stable Decomposes
Sequestration Excellent (chelates) None None None
Primary use Fertilizers, food Industrial, batteries Steel pickling Explosives, etching

18. Phosphate Salts Derived from Phosphoric Acid

Salt Formula Primary Application
Monosodium phosphate (MSP) NaH₂PO₄ pH buffer, food additive
Disodium phosphate (DSP) Na₂HPO₄ pH buffer, emulsifier
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) Na₃PO₄ Detergent builder, cleaner
Monopotassium phosphate (MKP) KH₂PO₄ Fertilizer (soluble), pH buffer
Dipotassium phosphate (DKP) K₂HPO₄ Fertilizer, pH buffer
Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) NH₄H₂PO₄ Fertilizer
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) (NH₄)₂HPO₄ Fertilizer
Monocalcium phosphate (MCP) Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ Animal feed, baking powder
Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) CaHPO₄ Animal feed, toothpaste abrasive

19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between phosphoric acid and phosphorus acid (H₃PO₃)?
A1: Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is H₃PO₄ (orthophosphoric) – a tribasic acid with no P-H bonds. Phosphorus acid (H₃PO₃) is HP(O)(OH)₂ – a dibasic acid with one P-H bond and strong reducing properties.

Q2: Why does 85% phosphoric acid crystallize in cold storage?
A2: The freezing point of 85% phosphoric acid is 21°C. Below this temperature, the solution crystallizes. Warming to 30–40°C with mild agitation will re-dissolve the crystals without affecting quality.

Q3: Is phosphoric acid safe in food (cola drinks)?
A3: Yes, food-grade phosphoric acid (E338) is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by FDA and EFSA at regulated concentrations (typically 0.02–0.05% in soft drinks).

Q4: Which metals are suitable for phosphoric acid storage?
A4: Suitable materials: HDPE, polypropylene, PVC, PTFE, glass, stainless steel (304, 316), lined carbon steel. NOT suitable: unlined carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass (will corrode).

Q5: How do I neutralize phosphoric acid spills?
A5: Use lime (calcium hydroxide) or soda ash (sodium carbonate) for neutralization. Neutralization is exothermic – add slowly. The residue (calcium phosphate) can be disposed as non-hazardous waste.

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

Parameter Value
Product Name Phosphoric Acid (Orthophosphoric Acid)
CAS Number 7664-38-2
Molecular Formula H₃PO₄
Molecular Weight 97.99 g/mol
Appearance (85% solution) Clear, colorless viscous liquid
Density (85%, 20°C) 1.834 g/cm³
Melting Point (pure) 42.35°C
Melting Point (85% solution) 21°C (crystallizes below)
Boiling Point (85% solution) 158°C (decomposes)
Flash Point Non-flammable
pKa₁ / pKa₂ / pKa₃ 2.12 / 7.20 / 12.67
Water Solubility Fully miscible
Viscosity (85%, 20°C) 47–55 cP
H₃PO₄ content (typical) 75% or 85% w/w
P₂O₅ content (85% solution) ~61.6%
Primary Applications Fertilizers (~80%), food additive (E338), metal treatment, pharmaceuticals, detergents
GHS Signal Word Danger
Hazard Statements H314, H318, H290
UN Number 1805
DOT Hazard Class 8 (Corrosive)
Biodegradability Not applicable (inorganic)
Eutrophication potential High (phosphorus input)

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for fertilizer manufacturers, food technologists, metal treatment specialists, chemical engineers, pharmaceutical formulators, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.

 

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