What Is Potassium Phosphate?
Potassium phosphate refers to a group of inorganic compounds consisting of potassium and phosphate ions.
These include potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4), and tripotassium phosphate (K3PO4), collectively known as potassium phosphates.
Uses of Potassium Phosphate
Potassium phosphates are extensively used as food additives, serving as binding agents in processed meats and fish pastes, emulsifiers in processed cheese, and ingredients in brine for Chinese noodles.
Furthermore, potassium dihydrogen phosphate finds applications in the brewing industry as a culture medium, pH adjuster, de-ironing agent, fermentation accelerator, buffer, and fertilizer. It also has a broad range of industrial uses, including in microbial culture substrates, processed food additives, petrochemical catalysts, antifreeze blending agents, and clarifying agents.
Properties of Potassium Phosphate
1. Tripotassium Phosphate
Tripotassium phosphate (K3PO4), with CAS number 7778-53-2, is a hygroscopic white powder that is insoluble in alcohol but has a water solubility of 90 g/100 mL at 20°C. It forms an alkaline solution with a pH of 11.5 to 12.5.
2. Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate
Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4), CAS number 7758-11-4, is a deliquescent colorless crystal that decomposes at 465°C. Its aqueous solution is slightly alkaline, and it is readily soluble in water with a solubility of 167 g/100 mL at 20°C.
3. Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4), CAS number 7778-77-0, is a white crystalline powder that decomposes at 400°C. It is insoluble in alcohol, with a water solubility of 22 g/100 mL at 25°C.
Types of Potassium Phosphate
These potassium phosphates are sold for various applications, including as reagent products for research and development, food additives, and industrial raw materials.
1. Reagent Products for Research and Development
Available in a range of sizes and grades, potassium phosphates are tailored for specific research needs, from small laboratory quantities to bulk industrial sizes. Solutions and hydrate forms are also available for specialized applications.
2. Industrial Products
For industrial use, potassium phosphates are packaged in varying capacities, catering to a wide array of applications beyond food additives, including technological and manufacturing processes.
Additionally, potassium polyphosphate (KPO3)x is utilized in food processing and as a meat binder, demonstrating the versatility of potassium phosphates in various applications.