Tricalcium Phosphate
Bone Ash
- CAS
- 7758-87-4
- EC
- 231-840-8
- Food Code
- E341
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, Agriculture
Tricalcium Phosphate (CAS 7758-87-4), also known as bone ash, is a white calcium phosphate salt that supplies calcium and phosphorus; it is used as an anticaking agent and nutrient supplement in baked goods, as a calcium source in animal feed, and as a phosphorus fertilizer in agriculture. It has a density of 3.14 g/cm³, melting point 1670°C, refractive index 1.63, and is insoluble in water but soluble in dilute acids. Hygroscopic, it is produced by reaction of calcium hydroxide with phosphoric acid or from bone ash; available as food or industrial grade for calcium/phosphorus supplementation.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | Ca.2/3H3O4P |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 310.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | white powder |
| Form | aqueous suspension |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | 1670 °C |
| Density | 3.14 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | 0.1 g/L (25 °C) |
| pH | 6-8 (50g/l, H2O, 20°C) suspension |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Corrosive |
| Grades available | Food Grade, Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Tricalcium Phosphate
Applications
Used as anticaking agent and nutrient supplement in food like cereals and baked goods; filler in pharmaceuticals and toothpaste; ceramic raw material for tiles and porcelain; fertilizer for phosphorus supply; in animal feed as calcium source; in plastics and rubber as filler for reinforcement.
Safety & Risks
Low toxicity, not irritating; toxic doses by ingestion >2 g/kg. May cause mild eye/respiratory irritation from dust; no skin sensitization. Stable under normal conditions; incompatible with strong acids. Use PPE; ventilate dusty areas; LD50 oral (rat) >2000 mg/kg; no carcinogenic effects reported.
Packaging
Typically in 25kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liners or 50kg fiber drums to prevent moisture; store tightly closed in cool, dry places; non-hazardous for transport.