Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium Orthophosphate
- CAS
- 7601-54-9
- EC
- 231-509-8
- Food Code
- E339
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Textiles, Leather & Paper
Trisodium Phosphate (CAS 7601-54-9), also known as sodium phosphate tribasic, is an inorganic phosphate salt supplied as a white crystalline powder, and it is used as an emulsifier and leavening agent in food, a softening agent in water treatment, and a dyeing aid in textiles. It has a density of 2.536 g/cm³, melting point 1583°C, and decomposes before boiling. Highly soluble in water (12 g/100mL at 20°C) forming alkaline solutions with pH 11.7-12.5, it is insoluble in organics like ethanol.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | H3O4P.3Na |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 163.94 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Form | Powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | at 100.00?%. odorless |
| Melting point | 75 °C (decomp) |
| Density | 2.536 g/cm³ @ Temp: 17.5 °C |
| Water solubility | Soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol and carbon disulfide. |
| pH | 10.95(1 mM solution);11.71(10 mM solution);12.12(100 mM solution) |
| HS code | 28352910 |
| 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.
Trisodium Phosphate
Applications
Used in cleaning as degreaser for kitchens; paint preparation for etching; water treatment for softening; boilers for corrosion control; food as emulsifier in cheese, thickener in meats, leavening in baked goods; flux in brazing; ceramics deflocculant; textiles dyeing; metal degreasing.
Safety & Risks
Corrosive causing skin/eye/respiratory irritation; ingestion poisonous. Avoid dust (P261), use PPE (P280), rinse contact (P302+P352). LD50 oral 6500 mg/kg; long-term links to heart disease, bone loss; environmental eutrophication. Incompatible with aluminum; decomposes to carbon oxides. Ventilate areas.
Packaging
Packaged in 25-50kg paper bags with moisture barriers or fiber drums; non-regulated transport; handle to minimize spills; dispose rinsed for recycling per SDS.