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Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is one of the most popular acids that is used in many industries, especially in the manufacturing of fertilizers. The salts of this acid which are known as phosphates are used mainly in agriculture and even at home. Students might even hear this term often in their chemistry classes. Therefore, we will learn about this chemical compound and understand various things related to it here on this page.
Phosphoric acid falls into the category of weak acids. It is also referred to as orthophosphoric acid which helps us to easily distinguish it from other phosphoric acids such as polyphosphoric acid. Another name for this acid is phosphoric(V) acid. Phosphoric acids formula is written as H3PO4. This acid is a non-toxic acid and in its pure form, it is a solid at room temperature. It has a molar mass of 97.99 g/mol.
H3PO4 is one of the most important and useful mineral acids. The acid is mostly available in the form of an aqueous solution (almost 85%) and is odorless, colorless, and non-volatile liquid. The solution is a sticky liquid and even though this acid is categorized as a weak acid it can still cause irritation or burns in the skin as well as damage to the eyes and membranes in the nose.
IUPAC NameOrtho Phosphoric AcidChemical FormulaH3PO4Molar Mass97.99 g/molDensity2.030 g.cm-3Melting Point42.4 C (108.3 F; 315.5 K)Boiling Point407 C (765 F; 680 K)Phosphoric Acid Structure
When we talk about the structure of phosphoric acid, the central phosphorus atom is bonded together with an oxygen atom through a double bond. It is also connected to three hydroxyl (-OH) groups through single bonds.
Phosphoric Acid Properties
Below we will look at the chemical and physical properties of H3PO4.
Physical Properties
Pure phosphoric acid is normally in the form of a white crystalline solid.
It has a melting point of 42.4 C.
The acid is colourless.
It is also odourless and a viscous liquid with a density of 2.030 g.cm-3.
H3PO4 is non-toxic and non-volatile.
Chemical Properties
Phosphoric acid or H3PO4 can release up to three H+ ions. Due to this property, it can react differently in comparison to other mineral acids.
Reaction with bases usually results in the formation of three classes of salts.
When the molecules of phosphoric acid are exposed to high temperatures it forms dimers, trimers and even long polymeric chains as seen in poly phosphoric acids and meta-phosphoric acids.
Phosphoric Acid Uses
Phosphoric acid is one of the most popular chemical compounds that have several uses in different industries and even in products that we consume. Here are some popular uses of H3PO4.
In Agriculture
One of the most common uses of phosphoric acid is in the agriculture domain. It is widely used in the production of fertilizer and as a flavouring agent in animal or poultry feed.
In Dentistry
It is also used in dentistry where dentists often use the chemical compound as an etching solution and for cleaning theteeth. Phosphoric acid is also found in mouth cleaning products. Alternatively, phosphoric acid is found in anti-nausea medicines.
Treatment of Rust
Phosphoric acid is also used in treating rusts and removing them from metal components. It is used in the process of the phosphate conversion coating. This helps in corrosion resistance.
Skincare Products
In The Food And Beverage Industry






Price:
Price 210.0 INR / Kilograms
Minimum Order Quantity : 20 Kilograms
Solubility : SOLUBLE
Storage : Dry Place
Density : 0.87 Gram per litre (g/L)
Application : Industrial, food, Textile Industry, medicine, Fertilizer, Pharmaceutical, Water Treatment
Price 120.0 INR / Kilograms
Minimum Order Quantity : 100 Kilograms
Solubility : Highly soluble in water
Storage : Dry Place
Density : 2.04 Gram per cubic centimeter(g/cm3)
Application : Industrial
Price 40.0 INR / Kilograms
Minimum Order Quantity : 35 Kilograms
Solubility : Yes
Storage : Room Temperature
Density : 1.685 Gram per cubic centimeter(g/cm3)
Application : Industrial
Price 110.0 INR / Kilograms
Minimum Order Quantity : 25 Kilograms
Solubility : Partially soluble in water (better solubility in alkaline solutions)
Storage : Dry Place
Density : 1.4 1.6 Gram per cubic centimeter(g/cm3)
Application : Industrial