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Send EmailPhosphoric Acid, Orthophosphoric Acid, Polyphosphoric Acid, Acid Phosphoric, E338, 7664-38-2
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
| 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 |
| 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 |
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⁺)
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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 |
Heating with dehydration → pyrophosphoric acid (H₄P₂O₇)
Further heating → polyphosphoric acids (Hₙ₊₂PₙO₃ₙ₊₁)
Complete dehydration → phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅)
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Reaction: Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH (phosphate rock) + 5 H₂SO₄ → 3 H₃PO₄ + 5 CaSO₄ + H₂O
Process:
Phosphate rock is reacted with sulfuric acid
Calcium sulfate (gypsum) precipitates and is filtered off
Dilute phosphoric acid (25–32% P₂O₅) is produced
Concentration by evaporation to 40–55% P₂O₅
Further purification for higher grades
Purity: Lower purity (contains metal impurities – Fe, Al, Mg, F)
Primary application: Fertilizer production (MAP, DAP, TSP)
Reaction: P₄ + 5 O₂ → P₄O₁₀; then P₄O₁₀ + 6 H₂O → 4 H₃PO₄
Process:
Elemental phosphorus (P₄) is burned in air to produce P₄O₁₀
P₄O₁₀ is hydrated with water
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
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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% |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Semiconductor etching | Etchant for silicon wafers |
| PCB cleaning | Flux residue removal |
| Metal surface preparation | Cleaning and etching |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Drilling fluids | pH control, corrosion inhibition |
| Well stimulation | Acidizing treatments (scale removal) |
| Application | Function |
|---|---|
| Monocalcium phosphate (MCP) | Phosphorus and calcium source for animal nutrition |
| Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) | Phosphorus and calcium source for animal nutrition |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| Health | Flammability | Reactivity |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 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) |
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)
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
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
| 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) |
| 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 |
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
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
| 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.