Tripotassium phosphate

Tripotassium

White deliquescent granular powder

Fixed

2.56 g · cm -3

1340 ° C

Soluble in water

Risk

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Potassium phosphate is the potassium salt of phosphoric acid. It is mainly used in detergents.

Extraction / representation

Potassium phosphate is also formed during the heating of slag with carbon and potassium sulfate.

Properties

Potassium phosphate dissolves in water with an alkaline reaction.

Production

It is not possible to win by crystallization from an aqueous solution of anhydrous potassium phosphate, however, is obtained by introducing ammonia into the solution, the pure octahydrate.

Use

Phosphates are used as additives in detergents. You are able to reduce by complex formation with polyvalent metal ions ( Mg2 , etc. ) the water hardness. Their use is now banned in some countries (including Switzerland ). Phosphates are used as fertilizers.

In the food industry it is used as acidity regulator use. It is together with the primary ( KH2PO4 ) and secondary dipotassium phosphate ( K2HPO4 ) in the EU as a food additive under the joint number E 340 ( " potassium phosphates " ) approved for certain foods, each with different maximum quantity restrictions. After the additive approval regulations are the - for most approved phosphates largely uniform - individual specifications for a wide range with many different types of food. The approved maximum amounts vary from 0.5 to 50 grams per kilogram ( in creamer for ATM), or even the lack of a fixed restriction ( quantum satis - as necessary nutritional supplements and partly in chewing gum ). Phosphorus is in hyperactivity suspected of causing allergic reactions and osteoporosis. It was determined an allowable daily dose of 70 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for the total amount of recorded phosphoric acid and phosphates.

Biological Significance

The result of the use in detergents is a larger supply of nutrients in the aquatic environment. This results in an increased growth of algae, which can cause it to tip over a body of water.