Phosphoric acid (orthophosphoric acid) is a colorless, odorless, viscous moderately strong acid. Commercially available as an 85% aqueous solution, it is hygroscopic and corrosive. It reacts with alkalis and metal oxides to form phosphates, and dehydrates to pyrophosphoric acid and metaphosphoric acid at high temperatures.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Molecular FormulaH3O4P
Density:1.9g/cm³g/cm³
Boiling Point:
Solubility:Miscible with water and ethanol.
Molecular Weight:98.0g/mol
Flash Point:
Melting Point:42℃
Uses
1. Industrial: Phosphating treatment of metal surfaces, electrolytic polishing, aluminum product polishing, raw material for phosphates/phosphate esters, catalyst, desiccant
2. Agricultural: Production of high-concentration phosphate fertilizers, compound fertilizers, feed-grade calcium hydrogen phosphate
3. Food: Acidity regulator, preservative, nutritional enhancer (food grade)
4. Pharmaceutical: pH regulator for pharmaceuticals, dental adhesives, raw material for sodium glycerophosphate
5. Electronic: Semiconductor cleaning and etching (electronic-grade high-purity phosphoric acid)
Safety, Security & Risk
Chemical Hazards
This substance is a moderately strong acid.It reacts violently with alkalis.In the presence of azo compounds and epoxides, the substance undergoes vigorous polymerization.Toxic fumes of phosphorus oxides are formed upon combustion.Contact with alcohols, aldehydes, cyanides, ketones, phenols, esters, sulfides or halogenated organic compounds may cause decomposition and generate toxic fumes.It corrodes many metals and produces flammable and explosive gases.