Tripotassium Phosphate
Potassium Phosphate Tribasic
- CAS
- 7778-53-2
- EC
- 231-907-1
- Food Code
- E340
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Water & Wastewater Treatment
Tripotassium Phosphate (CAS 7778-53-2) is the tribasic potassium salt of phosphoric acid, a white solid supplied as powder or crystals, used as a buffering agent for pH control in canned and processed foods, as an emulsifier and humectant in cheeses and meats, and as a corrosion inhibitor in water treatment. It has a density of 2.564 g/cm³, melting point 1340°C, and is highly soluble in water (50.8 g/100mL at 25°C), forming alkaline solutions with pH 11.5-12.5. Insoluble in alcohol, it is produced by neutralization of phosphoric acid with potassium hydroxide or carbonate; available as monohydrate or trihydrate forms.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | H3O4P.3K |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 212.27 g/mol |
| Appearance | white powder or crystals |
| Form | Solid |
| Color | White |
| Odor | at 100.00?%. odorless |
| Melting point | 1380 °C |
| Density | 2.564 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Water solubility | 50.8 g/100 mL (25 °C) |
| pH | 11.9 (25°C, 10g/L) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Corrosive, Irritant / harmful |
| HS code | 28352400 |
| Grades available | Food 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.
Tripotassium Phosphate
Applications
Used as a buffering agent in food processing for pH control in chicken nuggets, crab meat, and canned tuna; emulsifier and humectant in cheeses and meats; in detergents as water softener and builder; in water treatment for corrosion inhibition; in pharmaceuticals as laxative or electrolyte replenisher; in fertilizers for potassium source.
Safety & Risks
Corrosive, causes severe eye irritation (H318), skin irritation (H315), and respiratory irritation (H335); harmful if swallowed (H302). Avoid breathing dust (P261), use protective gloves/eye protection (P280), rinse eyes/skin if contacted (P305+P351+P338, P302+P352). Incompatible with acids and metals; decomposes to phosphorus oxides. Low toxicity with LD50 oral (rat) >2000 mg/kg; use PPE and ventilate.
Packaging
Typically in 25kg or 50kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liners or fiber drums to prevent moisture; non-regulated for transport; store in cool, dry, ventilated areas.