Calcium Phosphate

Calcium phosphate is a calcium and phosphorus-containing compound. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in large quantities in bones and teeth. The compound performs numerous functions in the body, as well as some people may benefit from supplementation. Too much calcium phosphate, on the other hand, can pose some health risks.

Calcium and phosphorus seem to be minerals that the body requires for a variety of essential functions. They both play important roles in maintaining bone strength and health. Many people get enough calcium and phosphorus through their diet. Supplements may be considered in some cases of deficiency. They should, however, consult with their doctor because, while they may provide health benefits, they also may cause some side effects.

Physical properties of calcium phosphate

Below mentioned are some of the basic physical characteristics of calcium phosphate:

• White amorphous or crystalline powder

• Odourless

• Not soluble in acetic acid or ethanol, but soluble in nitric acid and HCl.

• Dissolves slightly in water

Nature of calcium phosphate

As it is a salt of a weak acid (phosphoric acid) and a slightly stronger base (calcium hydroxide), calcium phosphate is a basic salt (though both are weak). Also, when the pH of our mouth falls below 5.5 due to eating sweets or other acidic foods, the dissolution of enamel (calcium phosphate) begins, indicating that calcium phosphate is basic in nature.

Apatite is a mineral rock that is a complex and impure form of calcium phosphate that generates tribasic calcium phosphate. Apatite is a type of phosphorite that contains calcium phosphate in combination with other compounds.

Uses of calcium phosphate

Calcium phosphate is being used to treat calcium deficiencies caused by low blood calcium, a parathyroid disorder, osteoporosis, and other bone conditions. Calcium phosphate is used in veterinary medicine as an antacid and dietary supplement. It is used in medicine as a calcium supplement. It is used in food as a buffer. It is used as a plastic stabiliser. It is used in the production of milk glass. It is used in the manufacturing of fertilisers. Calcium phosphate is used in veterinary medicine as an antacid and dietary supplement. It is used in medicine as a calcium supplement. It is used in food as a buffer. It is used as a plastic stabiliser. It is used in the production of milk glass.

Occurrence

Mineral phosphorus is typically applied to soil in the form of triple super phosphate or diammonium phosphate, which is water soluble. Precipitation reactions are preferred because phosphorus dissolves a large concentration of solution P. Calcium phosphates occur naturally in a variety of forms and are the primary minerals used in the production of phosphate fertilisers and a variety of phosphorus compounds.

Because calcium and phosphorus account for the majority of animal mineral nutrient requirements (for both body tissue and milk), DCPD is a popular and widely used animal supplement. Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate is also a source of concern because it is the most soluble of the hardly even soluble calcium phosphate crystals, making it a great choice for rock phosphate dissolution tests. 

Hazards of calcium phosphate

Supplementing with calcium phosphate may also pose some high risk. Possible side effects include:

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting and nausea

• Weakness due to loss of appetite

• Headaches

• Muscle and bone pain

• Kidney issues

Calcium and phosphate imbalances can have a wide-ranging impact on the body. Many people supplement their calcium intake with calcium phosphate, but they may start taking too much and develop hypercalcemia. This excess calcium can cause a number of complications, which people may relate to asTrusted Source:

Groans: Hypercalcemia can cause discomfort and painful gastrointestinal symptoms in some people.

Bones: People may experience bone pain and are at risk of developing bone problems.

Stones: Excess calcium in the body can lead to kidney problems such as kidney stones.

Preparation of calcium phosphate

Calcium phosphate can also be synthesised by combining phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and solid calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2.

Ca(OH)2+H3PO4                 

Ca3(PO4)2+H2O (unbalanced)

3Ca(OH)2+2H3PO4→Ca3(PO4)2+6H2O (balanced equation)

The former of these reactions can produce dibasic calcium phosphate when using an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide. Excess phosphoric acid is added to a dibasic or tribasic calcium phosphate solution and allowed to evaporate to produce monobasic calcium phosphate.

Conclusion

Calcium phosphate is a white amorphous or crystalline powder with no odour or taste. It is not soluble in ethanol or acetic acid, but is soluble in dilute nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. It dissolves slightly in water. It can be found in bones, milk, teeth, and ground coffee.

Calcium phosphates are abundant in nature in various forms and are the primary minerals used in the production of phosphate fertilisers and a variety of phosphorus compounds. The principal inorganic constituent of bone ash, for example, is the tribasic variety (precipitated calcium phosphate), Ca3(PO4)2. The acid salt Ca(H2PO4)2, created by treating mineral phosphates with sulfuric acid, is used as a plant food and plastic stabiliser.