Description
What Is Phosphoric Acid?
- Chemical identity: Triprotic mineral acid with formula H₃PO₄.
- Appearance: Clear, colorless, odorless liquid (typically 85% aqueous solution).
- Source: Produced industrially from phosphate rock via wet or thermal processes.
Key Benefits
- Strong acidulant: Provides sharp acidity and pH control in food and beverages.
- Chelating agent: Binds metal ions (e.g., calcium, iron), preventing oxidation and scale formation.
- Preservative: Inhibits microbial growth in acidic environments.
- Rust removal: Converts rust (iron oxide) into soluble phosphate salts.
- Fertilizer precursor: Essential for manufacturing phosphate fertilizers like MAP and DAP.
⚙️ Functional Roles
| Function | Description |
| Acidulant | Enhances flavor and stabilizes pH in food and pharma |
| Chelating agent | Prevents oxidation and scale formation by binding metal ions |
| Preservative | Inhibits microbial growth in acidic systems |
| Rust converter | Reacts with iron oxide to form soluble iron phosphate |
| Nutrient source | Supplies phosphorus for plant growth in fertilizers |
Applications by Industry
- Food & Beverage:
- Cola drinks, processed meats, dairy: pH control, flavor enhancement, and microbial stability
- Pharmaceuticals:
- Oral solutions, dental products, injectables: pH adjustment, solubilization, and buffering
- Industrial:
- Rust removers, metal cleaners, detergents: Converts rust and prevents scale buildup
- Agriculture:
- Fertilizer production (MAP, DAP): Supplies phosphorus to improve soil fertility and crop yield
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