Characteristic

 

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na₃PO₄. It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, producing an alkaline solution.The item of commerce is often partially hydrated and may range from anhydrous Na₃PO₄ to the dodecahydrate Na₃PO₄ • 12H₂O. Most often found in white powder form, it can also be called trisodium orthophosphate or simply sodium phosphate.

Chemical formula:Na₃PO₄

Appearance: White solid

Density :2.536 g/cm³ (17.5 °C, anhydrous);1.62 g/cm³ (20 °C, dodecahydrate)

Melting point:1,583 °C (2,881 °F; 1,856 K)(anhydrous);73.4 °C (164.1 °F; 346.5 K)(dodecahydrate)

Boiling point:100 °C (212 °F; 373 K) (dodecahydrate) decomposes

Solubility in water:anhydrous:5.4 g/100 mL (0 °C);12 g/100 mL (20 °C);14.5 g/100 mL (25 °C);23.3 g/100 mL (40 °C);94.6 g/100 mL (100 °C);dodecahydrate:28.3 g/100 mL (20 °C)

Solubility:insoluble in ethanol, CS2

Basicity (pKb):2.23

Crystal structure:Trigonal

 

Application

 

Sodium phosphate dodecahydrate is used in photographic developing, clarifying sugar, removing boiler scale, softening water and manufacturing of paper. They are added to many foods as an emulsifier to prevent oil separation. It can be utilized as a leavening agent. Some instances of these foods include the batter coating on breaded fish or chicken, and commercially baked cakes. Adding this item to food increases the shelf life of the food, maintaining the texture and visual aspect of the food.