Phosphoric acid, also popular as orthophosphoric acid, is primarily a triprotic acid, existing in dense liquid form. Although less corrosive than any other mineral acids, it is still corrosive to the eyes, skin, and other mucous membranes of humans and animals.
Chemical Properties
Phosphoric acid is available in two states:
1. Transparent crystalline form representing the solid-state
2. Colorless dense liquid state
The linear formula of the chemical is H3PO4. The molecular weight is 97.995g/mol.
1. The acid is a sequestering agent that can bind with several divalent cations like Cu++, Ca++, Fe++, Mg++, and more.
2. Melting point lies between 40 and 42.40C.
3. Boiling point: 316.40 F.
Uses of Phosphoric Acid
There are several ways to use phosphoric acid in your daily life and to do essential jobs. Here, you will learn about some of the major uses of phosphoric acid 85 that you can apply in practical life too.
1. Rust Elimination
Phosphoric acid is undeniably one of the most common liquids that you can use to remove rust from iron, steel, or any other metals. It will seem like a magical reaction when the acid comes n contact with the rust covering, a brownish or reddish layer on the metals.
Typically, phosphoric acid converts rust (Fe2O3) into ferric phosphate (Fe3O4), which is soluble in water. Ferric phosphate is a black-coloured compound that you can even wipe off from the surface of the metal.
2. Chemical with Multiple Uses
The acid serves as a multi-purpose chemical too.
For instance, phosphoric acid is an essential industrial agent, serving as the intermediate in the fertilizer industry and commonly in use for metal surface treatments in the metallurgical industry.
PA is also a commonly used additive in the food industry. It can prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in food items with jagger solutions. As this will increase the shelf life of the food or beverage, it serves as an affordable food preservative.
It is also used to make personal care products like perfumes, makeup, skincare products, and bath and cleaning products. The purpose s to control the pH level.
Thus, the acid finds its usability in many industries./p>
3. Food Additive
Phosphoric acid manufacturers are always facing high demand from the food industry. As it is now a common food additive, the chemical has made its way into making cheese, processed meats, cola drinks, cereal bars, and various other food items.
The chemical serves as an acidity regulator, as mentioned above. Additionally, it can successfully prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
4. Pharmaceutical
The pharmaceutical industry is also benefitting from the advantages of chemicals.
1. The chemical is a chief ingredient to serve electrolyte replenishment and total parenteral nutrition.
2. The chemical is used as the etching solution in dentistry and for cleaning teeth.
3. It is a common ingredient of teeth whiteners and moth washing liquids.
4. The chemical is in use for making anti-nausea medicines./p>
Now that you know about the uses of phosphoric acid, you have gathered more profound knowledge about the chemical.